Information Signal Processing Method And Apparatus, And Computer Program Product

ABSTRACT

There is provided an information signal processing method used when performing a special reproduction operation for digest reproduction of a video/audio information signal of a broadcast program. The method includes: a step for reading data from the video/audio characteristic data of each predetermined section of a predetermined video/audio information signal and additional information data concerning the video/audio information signal or a predetermined recording medium containing these data; a step for creating a predetermined first information meaning for each predetermined section of the video/audio information signal from the read data; a step for connecting a plurality of sections for which the first predetermined meaning has been created so as to perform creation of a predetermined second information meaning or a predetermined evaluation processing for a predetermined section according to the signal of the first meaning creation processing; and a step for setting a predetermined reproduction section or a predetermined reproduction time according to the signal subjected to the evaluation processing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information signal processing methodand apparatus and a program recording medium or computer programproduct, destined for making special playback such as predetermineddigest playback in a recording/playback apparatus which records and/orplays back image/voice data such as a video/audio signal to and/or froma recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk, hard disk drive(HDD), semiconductor memory or the like by making predetermined bandcompression, such as MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group), of the signal.

This application claims the priority of the Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2004-233945 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Aug. 10, 2004,the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND ART

To roughly know a long content, namely, a content for a long time,recorded in a conventional VTR (video tape recorder) or diskrecording/playback apparatus by playing back the content in a timeshorter than the length of time taken for the recording, the playback ismade at a speed about 1.5 to 2 times higher than the recording withconsideration given to a speed at which one can understand voiceinformation.

Even if summary or digest playback is tried of the content in a shortertime, a voice output thus played back at a high speed will not be easyto understand. Normally, only the image information in the content isplayed back as silent data.

On this account, summary (digest) playback of a recorded broadcastprogram is made, in some cases, in a predetermined time shorter than therecording time of the initial broadcast program by extractingpredetermined feature data on the basis of features appearing inimage/voice data (image/voice information signal, image/voice signal orimage/voice information) in a recorded broadcast program, detecting keyframe sections each appearing to be a key frame (important frame) withthe use of the predetermined feature data, and playing back the keyframe sections selected sequentially under a predetermined rule andplaying back.

Also, in a predetermined section of recorded image data, positionalinformation indicative of playback points is automatically generated ateach fixed time intervals such as 3 min, 5 min, 10 min and the like orpositional information is manually generated in desired positions by theuser. This is generally called “chapter data generation”. The chapterdata generation is made to make skip playback, edition and thumbnaildisplay with the use of the positional information (chapter data).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned feature data may be detected as to plural types offeatures for each of the image and voice signals. Each feature data isextracted at the time of recording image/voice data, for example, andthe feature data is recorded along with the image/voice data into arecording medium.

Then, the recorded feature data will be read for predeterminedprocessing to determine, under a predetermined rule, a section which isto be subjected to summary (digest) playback. However, if the pluralfeature data are recorded separately as files into a recording medium,many files will result and handling of them in the signal processingwill be troublesome, which will not lead to any efficient signalprocessing.

It is therefore desirable to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks ofthe related art by providing an information signal processing method andapparatus and a program recording medium, destined for processingfeature data efficiently and making effective summary (digest) playbackand efficient various chapter data-based operations in order to makeeffective feature data-based summary (digest) playback or chapterprocessing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan information signal processing method, including the steps of:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata;

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing to makesecond information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of onepredetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and

setting a predetermined playback section or a predetermined point intime of playback on the basis of the signal subjected to the secondinformation signification processing or to the evaluation valueprocessing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing method, including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata;

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing to makesecond information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of onepredetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and

recording the data subjected to the second predetermined informationsignification processing or evaluation value processing into apredetermined recording area of a predetermined recording medium or apredetermined data memory.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing method, including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data;

making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing on thebasis of the result of calculation to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of a signal based on the firstinformation signification processing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing method, including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data;

making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing on thebasis of the result of calculation to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of the signal based on thefirst information signification processing. acquiring the data resultedfrom the second information signification processing and evaluationvalue processing of the result of the second information significationprocessing and data resulted from the predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the signal on the basis of the first informationsignification processing from a predetermined recording medium havingthe data recorded therein; and

setting predetermined sections or predetermined points in time of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the data thus acquired.

According another embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan information signal processing method, including the steps of:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data;

making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing on thebasis of the result of calculation to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of the signal based on thefirst information signification processing; and

using the predetermined data resulted from the second informationsignification processing or data resulted from the evaluation valueprocessing or acquiring the data from a predetermined recording mediumhaving these data recorded therein to set predetermined sections orpredetermined points in time of the image/voice signal on the basis ofthe acquired data.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing method, including the stepsof:

detecting predetermined semantic characteristic data generated for eachpredetermined section of image/voice data and predetermined evaluationdata for the semantic characteristic data by using characteristic datain each predetermined section, extracted from the image/voice datalasting for a predetermined length of time and extra information, if anydetectable, associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring apredetermined file having recorded therein the semantic characteristicdata and predetermined evaluation data; and

making such a control on data playback as to play back the predeterminedsections in the image/voice data one after another according to apredetermined rule with the use of the semantic characteristic data andevaluation data as the result of the data detection in case the lengthof time is larger than a predetermined threshold or to play back apredetermined section of the image/voice information signal within atime shorter than the length of time not according to the predeterminedrule or according to a rule other than the predetermined rule in casethe length of time is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing method, including the stepsof:

detecting predetermined semantic characteristic data generated for eachpredetermined section of image/voice data and predetermined evaluationdata on the semantic characteristic data with the use of characteristicdata in each predetermined section, extracted from image/voice datalasting for a predetermined length of time and extra information, if anydetectable, associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring apredetermined file having recorded therein the semantic characteristicdata and predetermined evaluation data on the semantic characteristicdata and making predetermined processing of the file; and

setting a predetermined section or predetermined point in time of theimage/voice data according to a predetermined rule with the use of thesemantic characteristic data and evaluation data in case the length oftime is larger than a predetermined threshold, or

setting a predetermined section or predetermined point in time of theimage/voice data within a time shorter than the length of time notaccording to the predetermined rule or according to a rule other thanthe predetermined rule in case the length of time is smaller than thepredetermined threshold.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a first information processing means for acquiring data from image/voicefeature data in each predetermined section of a predeterminedimage/voice data signal and extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal or from a predetermined recording medium ormemory means having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata;

a second information processing means for connecting together aplurality of the predetermined sections subjected to the firstpredetermined information signification processing with the use of asignal from the first information processing means to make secondinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of one predetermined sectionbased on the signal from the first information processing means; and

an information signal processing means for setting a predeterminedplayback section or a predetermined point in time of playback on thebasis of a signal from the first or second information processing means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a first information processing means for acquiring data from image/voicefeature data in each predetermined section of a predeterminedimage/voice data signal and extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal or from a predetermined recording medium ormemory means having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata;

a second information processing means for connecting together aplurality of the predetermined sections with a signal from the firstinformation processing means to make second information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of one predetermined section based on the signal from thefirst information processing means; and

a recording means for recording data from the second informationprocessing means into a predetermined recording area of a predeterminedrecording medium or data memory.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a first information processing means for acquiring data from image/voicefeature data in each predetermined section of a predeterminedimage/voice data signal and extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal or from a data file having these data recordedtherein to make first predetermined information signification processingof each predetermined section of the image/voice data signal on thebasis of the acquired data;

a second information processing means for making predeterminedcalculation based on the data from the first information processingmeans and extra information associated with the image/voice data signalin case the latter information is detectable to make a secondinformation signification processing for connecting together a pluralityof the predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation and predetermined evaluation value processing of the resultof the second information signification processing or to make secondpredetermined information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of apredetermined signal based on a signal from the first informationprocessing means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a data processing means for acquiring data from image/voice feature datain each predetermined section of a predetermined image/voice data signaland extra information associated with the image/voice data signal orfrom a data file having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata, making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected tothe first predetermined information signification processing and theextra information associated with the image/voice data signal in casethe latter information is detectable, connecting together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation to make second predetermined information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of a signal based on the first information significationprocessing, and acquiring data resulted from the second informationsignification processing or data resulted from the predeterminedevaluation value processing from a predetermined recording medium havingthe data recorded therein; and

an information processing means for setting predetermined sections orpredetermined points in time of the image/voice data signal on the basisof the data from the data processing means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a first information processing means for acquiring data from image/voicefeature data in each predetermined section of a predeterminedimage/voice data signal and extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal or from a data file having these data recordedtherein to make first predetermined information signification processingof each predetermined section of the image/voice data signal;

a second information processing means for making predeterminedcalculation based on data form the first information processing meansand extra information associated with the image/voice data signal incase the latter information is detectable and second predeterminedinformation signification processing to connect together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation and predetermined evaluation value processing of the resultof the second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of a signal from the firstinformation processing means; and

an information processing means for setting predetermined sections orpredetermined points in time of the image/voice data signal on the basisof data from the second information processing means or predetermineddata from a predetermined recording medium having the data recordedtherein.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a data detecting means for detecting predetermined semanticcharacteristic data generated for each predetermined section ofimage/voice data and predetermined evaluation data for the semanticcharacteristic data by using characteristic data in each predeterminedsection, extracted from the image/voice data lasting for a predeterminedlength of time and extra information, if any detectable, associated withthe image/voice data or by acquiring a predetermined file havingrecorded therein the semantic characteristic data and predeterminedevaluation data; and

a playback means for making, when in a predetermined mode of operation,such a control on data playback as to play back the predeterminedsections in the image/voice data one after another according to apredetermined rule with the use of the semantic characteristic data andevaluation data as the result of the data detection in case the lengthof time is larger than a predetermined threshold or to play back apredetermined section of the image/voice information signal within atime shorter than the length of time not according to the predeterminedrule or according to a rule other than the predetermined rule in casethe length of time is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an information signal processing apparatus, including:

a data detecting means for detecting predetermined semanticcharacteristic data generated for each predetermined section ofimage/voice data and predetermined evaluation data on the semanticcharacteristic data with the use of characteristic data in eachpredetermined section, extracted from image/voice data lasting for apredetermined length of time and extra information, if any detectable,associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring a predeterminedfile having recorded therein the semantic characteristic data andpredetermined evaluation data on the semantic characteristic data andmaking predetermined processing of the file; and

an information processing means for setting a predetermined section orpredetermined point in time of the image/voice data according to apredetermined rule with the use of the semantic characteristic data andevaluation data in case the length of time is larger than apredetermined threshold or for setting a predetermined section orpredetermined point in time of the image/voice data within a timeshorter than the length of time not according to the predetermined ruleor according to a rule other than the predetermined rule in case thelength of time is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata;

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing to makesecond information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of onepredetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and

setting a predetermined playback section or a predetermined point intime of playback on the basis of the signal subjected to the secondinformation signification processing or to the evaluation valueprocessing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata;

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing to makesecond information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of onepredetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and

recording the data subjected to the second predetermined informationsignification processing or evaluation value processing into apredetermined recording area of a predetermined recording medium or apredetermined data memory.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data;

making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing on thebasis of the result of calculation to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of a signal based on the firstinformation signification processing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data;

making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing on thebasis of the result of calculation to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of the signal based on thefirst information signification processing. acquiring the data resultedfrom the second information signification processing and evaluationvalue processing of the result of the second information significationprocessing and data resulted from the predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the signal on the basis of the first informationsignification processing from a predetermined recording medium havingthe data recorded therein; and

setting predetermined sections or predetermined points in time of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the data thus acquired.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data;

making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and

connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sections subjectedto the first predetermined information signification processing on thebasis of the result of calculation to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of the signal based on thefirst information signification processing; and

using the predetermined data resulted from the second informationsignification processing or data resulted from the evaluation valueprocessing or acquiring the data from a predetermined recording mediumhaving these data recorded therein to set predetermined sections orpredetermined points in time of the image/voice signal on the basis ofthe acquired data.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

detecting predetermined semantic characteristic data generated for eachpredetermined section of image/voice data and predetermined evaluationdata for the semantic characteristic data by using characteristic datain each predetermined section, extracted from the image/voice datalasting for a predetermined length of time and extra information, if anydetectable, associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring apredetermined file having recorded therein the semantic characteristicdata and predetermined evaluation data; and

making such a control on data playback as to play back the predeterminedsections in the image/voice data one after another according to apredetermined rule with the use of the semantic characteristic data andevaluation data as the result of the data detection in case the lengthof time is larger than a predetermined threshold or to play back apredetermined section of the image/voice information signal within atime shorter than the length of time not according to the predeterminedrule or according to a rule other than the predetermined rule in casethe length of time is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program recording medium having a control program recordedtherein to be computer-readable, the control program including the stepsof:

detecting predetermined semantic characteristic data generated for eachpredetermined section of image/voice data and predetermined evaluationdata on the semantic characteristic data with the use of characteristicdata in each predetermined section, extracted from image/voice datalasting for a predetermined length of time and extra information, if anydetectable, associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring apredetermined file having recorded therein the semantic characteristicdata and predetermined evaluation data on the semantic characteristicdata and making predetermined processing of the file; and

setting a predetermined section or predetermined point in time of theimage/voice data according to a predetermined rule with the use of thesemantic characteristic data and evaluation data in case the length oftime is larger than a predetermined threshold, or

setting a predetermined section or predetermined point in time of theimage/voice data within a time shorter than the length of time notaccording to the predetermined rule or according to a rule other thanthe predetermined rule in case the length of time is smaller than thepredetermined threshold.

According to the present invention, it is possible to make effectivedigest playback processing and chapter setting processing based onpredetermined image/voice feature data.

According to the present invention, it is also possible to effectivelymake predetermined digest playback based on predetermined feature datacorresponding to a length of time of each program.

Further, it is possible to make effective digest playbackcorrespondingly to a length of time of the digest playback and withoutconcern about the length of time of each program and length of time ofthe digest playback.

Moreover, even in case the user bought a recording/playback apparatusbut he found that the latter has not a function he wanted, the presentinvention enables him to easily make the apparatus possible to performthe function. Also, the user may initially buy a recording/playbackapparatus having only basis functions and the present invention allowshim to easily install various desired functions in the apparatus. Thus,the present invention enables the user to select and buy arecording/playback apparatus efficiently with concern about whether ornot the apparatus has a function or functions he wants.

According to the present invention, it is possible to arrange aplurality of different types of image feature data and voice featuredata efficiently as a feature data file of each data or as one featuredata file. For example, it is possible to process a plurality of typesof features including a camera feature, telop (television opaqueprojector) feature, scene feature, color feature, etc. as image featuresand voice features such as silence-level feature, sound quality feature(speaking voice or not, for example), etc. as voice features efficientlyinto a data file in a predetermined form, and record the data file alongwith image/voice data into a predetermined recording medium forefficient file processing in file management, signal processing, etc.

Also, according to the present invention, since no file is provided foreach of the feature data, the recording space occupied by a file may beso smaller than in case a file is provided for each feature data in therecording medium.

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will be come apparent from the following detailed descriptionof embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1G show the operations made in digest playback and chaptersetting in the playback/playback apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the display resulted from the chaptersetting.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing examples of the information signalprocessing process in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the rule processing in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 5A shows an example of the relation between the informationsignification processing and feature data in the recording/playbackapparatus, and FIG. 5B shows another example of the relation between theinformation signification processing and feature data.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show examples of the rule file in the recording/playbackapparatus.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the manner of evaluation value processing inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 8A to 8I graphically illustrate examples of the time correctionfunction in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 9 graphically illustrates an example of the general form of thetime correction function in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the structure of video data in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the connection among playback (or play)units in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show examples of the information signification amongthe playback units in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show examples of the rule 2 processing in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 14 graphically illustrates another example of the time correctionfunction in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show examples of the structure of the rule file in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 16A to 16D show examples of the information signal processingprocess according to the present invention in the recording/playbackapparatus.

FIG. 17 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of the structureof the recording/playback apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the description of various predetermineddata recorded in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the display in the recording/playbackapparatus.

FIG. 20 is a block circuit diagram showing another example of thestructure of the recording/playback apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block circuit diagram of an example of the structure of thevoice feature extraction system according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block circuit diagram of another example of the structureof the voice feature extraction system according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 is a block circuit diagram of an example of the structure of theimage feature extraction system according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows the scene changing in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the telop and color feature detection areasin the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 26 shows an example of similar image feature in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the person's feature detection area in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the person detection in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 29 shows an example of the person detection (determination of thenumber of persons) in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 30 shows an example of the detection of the number of persons inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 31 shows another example of the detection of the number of personsin the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 32 shows still another example of the detection of the number ofpersons in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 33 shows yet another example of the detection of the number ofpersons in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 34A to 34E show examples of the playback unit processing in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 35A and 35B show other examples of the playback unit processing inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 36 shows an example of the CM (commercial) detection in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an example of the structure of theplayback unit processor in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 38 shows an example of the structure of the feature data file inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 39 shows an example of the structure of the feature data file inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 40 explains the structure example of the feature data file in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 41 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the playbackunit data in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 42 shows another example of the hierarchical structure of theplayback unit data in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 43 shows an example of the structure of the playback unit imagefeature data in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIGS. 44A and 44B show examples of the play list (summary) in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 45 shows an example of the flow of operations made in therecording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 46 shows an example of the relation between the recording time andselectable summary playback time in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 47 shows examples of the recording time and number of automaticallyset chapters in the recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 48 shows an example of the flow of operations made for recording inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 49 shows an example of the flow of operations made for playback inthe recording/playback apparatus.

FIG. 50 shows another example of the flow of operations made forplayback in the recording/playback apparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained in detail below concerning theembodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. Theexplanation will be made in sequence as itemized below. It is of coursethat the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explainedbelow but may appropriately be modified in various manners withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit thereof.

1. Overview of the System as an Embodiment of the Present Invention

1.1 Summary Playback and Chapter Point Setting Based on Feature Data

Here will be outlined the operations of the system.

Signal processing related to the operations outlined below will also beexplained in detail in items which will be described later.

In the following, play list data generation will specifically beexplained. However, it may be considered that play list data and chapterdata are generated together, unless specifically explained.

The feature data-based summary (digest) playback and chapter processingwill be explained herebelow with reference to FIGS. A to G

First, the summary playback based on the feature data will be explained.

Summary (Digest) Playback Based on Feature Data

It is assumed here that there is available a series of image/voice dataas shown in FIG. 1A.

The image/voice data series includes a broadcast program, moviesoftware, etc. which are to be recorded to and played back from apredetermined recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD),magneto-optical disk, large-capacity semiconductor memory or the like bya predetermined band-compression signal processing defined in MPEG(Moving Picture Experts Group) or the like.

The image/voice data series is segmented on the basis of a scene change,voice segment and the like given predetermined meanings, respectively,into predetermined video structures (semantic video structure) includingpredetermined sections as conceptually shown in FIG. 1B.

The predetermined meaning setting, predetermined section setting, videostructure, etc, will be explained in detail later.

Note that as shown in FIG. 1C, a predetermined evaluation value of eachof all sections, predetermined program sections, etc. recorded within apredetermined time is set for each of predetermined sections segmentedaccording to each meaning. The section for which the evaluation value isset is taken herein as a predetermined evaluation value data section.

The above “all sections recorded within a predetermined time” refers toall sections of image/voice data, if any, for a predetermined time overall programs.

Also, the above “predetermined program sections” refer to all sectionsof a program including image/voice data.

It is assumed here that a high evaluation value (important evaluationdata) is predetermined for a predetermined key frame one (importantframe section or important (image/voice) section) of all predeterminedsections.

That is to say, since sections for which high evaluation values havebeen set (important evaluation value sections) include a key framesection, playback of the sections enables the user to know the outlineof a program without having to play back all the sections in theprogram.

FIG. 1C shows the outline of a predetermined evaluation value section,from which it will be known that a predetermined summary playback(digest playback) will be made of an image/voice data series as shown inFIG. 1A by making skip playback of sections A1, A2 and A3 in whichrespective frames f1 and f2, f4 and f5, and f7 and f8 are given anevaluation value larger than a set threshold Th during a predeterminedsummary playback mode as shown in FIG. 1D.

Automatic Chapter Setting Based on Feature Data

FIG. 1E is a conceptual illustration of chapter point setting. In thisprocessing, chapter points are set at the top, or in the vicinity of thetop, of a predetermined key frame section (important frame section) andtop, or in the vicinity of the top, of a section contiguous to thebottom of the key frame section and which is not any key frame section.

In a conventional DVD (digital versatile disk), for example, breakpoints are set for predetermined sections by the so-called automaticchapter setting function. They can be taken as aims for edition, andused for the fast forward (FF) playback, fast reverse (REW) playback,etc.

In the past, the aforementioned automatic chapter setting has been madeto set regular time intervals of 5 min, 10 min, 15 min or the like. Withsuch a chapter setting, however, it is not possible as the case may beto set any chapter point at the top of a section which appears to be akey frame as shown in FIG. 1G.

Also, a manual chapter setting function is well known which permits theuser himself or herself to set a chapter point at a desired point intime. With this function, however, the user will have to set a chapterpoint by actually viewing a program he has recorded or is to record.Such setting operation is troublesome to the user and hence thisfunction is not efficient.

On the contrary, with the chapter point setting function (predeterminedtime-point setting or predetermined-position setting function) based onfeature data, according to the present invention, it is possible toautomatically set a chapter point at the top, or in the vicinity of thetop, and at the bottom of a key frame section and at the top, or in thevicinity of the top, of a section contiguous to the bottom and which isnot any key frame section appropriately as shown in FIG. 1E So, thischapter point setting function permits to make effective edition, FFplayback and REW playback by making more effective chapter point settingthan with the conventional chapter setting function.

FIG. 2 shows the concept of the display, on a predetermined videomonitor, of the automatically set chapter points as thumbnail imageshaving a predetermined size as shown in FIG. 1F.

As shown in FIG. 1F, the frames f1, f4 and f7 are at the tops, or in thevicinity of the tops, of the predetermined key frame sections A1, A2 andA3, respectively, while the frames f3, f6 and f9 are at the tops, or inthe vicinity of the tops, of sections B1, B2 and B3, respectively,contiguous to the key frame sections A1, A2 and A3, respectively, andwhich are not any key frame section. It is assumed here that by viewinga display screen as shown in FIG. 2, the user will extract the key framesections A1, A2 and A3 shown in FIG. 1D, record them into a disk-shapedrecording medium such as DVD, make skip playback of the data at thepoints in time of the frames f1, f4 and f7, and make other operations.

FIG. 1G shows examples of the predetermined points in time (chapterpoints or predetermined positions). Namely, predetermined points in timeor positions are regularly or generally regularly set as chapter pointsat intervals of 5, 10 or other, for example. As will be seen from FIGS.1C and 1Q the chapter points are not always set in a key frame(important frame).

With the above-mentioned automatic chapter point setting or segmentation(predetermined point setting or predetermined break point setting) basedon feature data as in the present invention, it is possible to makeeffective edition or skip playback.

1.2 Example of the Information Signal Processing Process in the PresentInvention

Next, an example of the information signal processing process in thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

The information processing process shown in FIG. 3 includes a step offeature extraction (2) in which feature data on image and voice dataseries are extracted from MPEG image/voice stream data.

It is assumed here for the simplicity of explanation that an MPEG stream(1) (MPEG data) is to be recorded or has been recorded in apredetermined recording medium. The present invention is also applicableto image/voice data which is transmitted through a predeterminedtransmission system (cable or radio), for example.

The feature extraction step (2) may be effected simultaneously with therecording, but in case image/voice data is already recorded in thepredetermined recording medium, the feature extraction step (2) may bedone by playing back the data from the recording medium.

Here will be explained a rule processing.

In the rule processing, there is effected a predetermined processing onthe basis of a rule file in which a rule is described in a predeterminedform or rule data.

The rule file has described therein a rule corresponding to a programgenre and based on feature data, and the rule file and a PU feature datafile (playback unit feature data file) having feature data on apredetermined section described therein are processed to generate apredetermined play list file.

It is assumed here that for the simplicity of explanation, the rule filefor a predetermined program genre n is Rf(n), PU feature data file isPu, play list file is Df and desired summary time is t. The play listfile Df can be as given by the following expression (1):Df=Pu(*)Rf(n)(*)t  (1)where (*) is assumed to be a predetermined operator based on data in thepredetermined file.

The rule file Rf(n) is described in a predetermined form and includesdata on predetermined parameters such as a predetermined time correctionfunction, meaning, weighting factor of the meaning (evaluation value orlevel of importance), etc.

Playback Unit Processing

The feature extraction (2) is followed by PU processing (playback unitprocessing) (3) as one of the characteristics of the present invention.

In the PU processing (3), each feature data is recorded (stored) aspredetermined data (PU feature data file) into a predetermined recordingmedium or buffer memory at a break point (4) called “PU (playbackunit)”.

Operation Under a Rule 1

The PU feature data file is subjected to PU signification in apredetermined operation under rule 1 (5). The operation under rule 1 (5)will be briefly explained below and described in detail later.

-   -   Process 1:    -   Adopting a selected meaning as a meaning of PU    -   Process 2:    -   Selecting one of meanings represented by the first rule, which        meets requirements most, from a combination of feature data    -   Process 3:    -   Adopting the selected meaning as meaning of PU.

In the operation under the rule 1 (5), in case parameters such as aprogram genre or a program genre the user viewed in the past, time zone,number of plays, time of play, date of play, etc. and side information,etc. can be used owing to EPG (electronic program guide) or the like, apredetermined processing may be effected with consideration given tothese parameters.

The time correction function as in the operation under the rule 1 iscalculated as will be explained in detail later.

Operation Under a Rule 2

PU (6) subjected to the signification is subjected to a predeterminedevaluation value processing in a predetermined operation under a rule 2(7).

In the operation under the rule 2 (7), evaluation value processing ismade of the importance of the following operations 1 and 2:

-   -   Operation 1:    -   Evaluation of the meaning importance    -   Operation 2:    -   Evaluation of appearance pattern of the meaning

PUs (8) subjected to the predetermined evaluation processing are given apredetermined evaluation value separately or in a combination of somePUs.

As shown in FIG. 4, a rule selection system 900 selects the rules 1 and2 or one of them correspondingly to program genre information includinggenre-A rule data, genre-B rule data, genre-C rule data, . . . and somedata for operation under a rule) as rule processing data correspondingto a plurality of program genres and having been supplied to a systemcontroller 20.

Also, some data for operation under a rule are provided for individualusers, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4 and selected for application.

In this case, the system controller 20 selects, in a predetermined modeof operation, any one of the data for operation under the rule for anindividual user 1, data for operation under the rule for an individualuser 2, data for an individual user, . . . through setting made by apredetermined user and supplied to the system controller 20, for makinga predetermined rule processing on the basis of the selected data foroperation under the rule.

By providing the rule processing data for individual users as shown inFIG. 4, it is possible to make operations including a predeterminedplayback such as regular or special playback for each individual user,for example, storage of operation information, operation positioninformation, etc. such as a state of playback, position of playback,etc. into a predetermined memory means for the predetermined ruleprocessing for each individual user to reflect the information, updatingof these information in predetermined timing as needed as the ruleprocessing data for the individuals through a predetermined learningoperation. This is an effective signal processing method for thelearning operation for each individual user.

As shown in FIG. 4, a rule selection system 901 selects the rules 1 and2 or one of them in selecting an operation under a rule for eachindividual user.

Forms of Operation Under Rule

Operation Under Rule 1:

In the case of a broadcast program, a meaning-given PU is described inassociation with predetermined image/voice feature data with an alphabetand meaning being set as follows.

For giving a meaning to a character, a scene considered to be a keyframe (important frame or scene) in the broadcast program or apredetermined section to be recorded or played back, which is consideredtoo be effective for the summary playback, chapter setting, etc. isselected and described.

Also, a scene the user desires is described. In this case, apredetermined mode of adjustment or the like is used to make it possibleto describe a rule the user desires.

Top columns in FIGS. 5A and 5B show examples of news program as in Table1 below: TABLE 1 Example of news program Setting (meaning) characterMeaning a Scene of news items with appearance of announcer b Scene ofaffair or accident c Weather forecast d Start scene of program e Endscene of program

In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the definition character a describes arule to extract a scene in which an announcer appears. However, since itis considered that it is not possible to extract all possible scenes (inwhich announcers appear) under one rule described by the definitioncharacter a, a plurality of rules is described to extract such possiblescenes.

Similarly, a plurality of rules is described by the definitioncharacters b, c, d and e as in FIG. 5A.

Top columns in FIG. 5B show examples of sumo-wrestling program as inTable 2 below: TABLE 2 Example of sumo-wrestling program Setting(meaning) character Meaning A Scene of match introduction B Scene ofinitial rise for fighting C Scene of fighting D Scene of program start EScene of finish

Also in the example shown in FIG. 5B, since it is considered that it isnot possible to extract all possible scenes defined by the character a,for example, wrestlers, sumo-referee, sumo-umpires, etc. in the scene,the definition character a is described by a plurality of tiles. Forexample, a plurality of rules is set for each of the definitioncharacters. Also, separate rules are described for scenes (key frames)to be extracted as the case may be.

Scenes that cannot uniquely be signified may be included in a broadcastprogram. For example, the following setting may be done with adefinition character (as shown in Table 3 below: TABLE 3 Set (signified)character Meaning @ No meaning (undefined)

The operation under the rule 1 of a definition character (setting ormeaning character) will be explained in detail taking a news program asan example.

In case each predetermined feature data is detected as shown in FIG. 18,it is assumed that scenes corresponds to the definition characters a, b,c, d and e, respectively, in the above-mentioned news program.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, it is assumed that a small circle indicates anoperation for a logical product and a small triangle indicates anoperation for a logical sum. In a scene with appearance of an announcer,shown in a column indicated with a definition character a, it isassumable that the attribute of voice feature is detected as speaker'svoice, a predetermined color is detected in the color feature detectionarea 2 or 3, the appearance frequency of similar-image information isdetected as “highest” or “second highest”, person's feature is detectedin the detection area 1, 2 or 5, and camera feature is “still”.

In other columns indicated with the definition characters b, c, d and e,respectively, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the definition characters can beassociated with feature data by associating them with a predeterminedfeature data correspondingly to each of the small circle and trianglemarks as in the column a above.

Each definition character and feature data are described in apredetermined form for the predetermined operation, that is, theoperations under the rule 1 and rule 2.

FIG. 6A shows an example of the rule 1 described like a vectorcomponent.

That is, each of the feature data shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is taken asattribute of voice feature, for example. In case the attribute is aspeaker's voice, the rule is taken as A1. In case the attribute is amusic, the rule is taken as A2. In case the attribute is other than theabove, the rule is taken as A3.

In the color feature of an image feature, the area 1 is taken as B1,area 2 is taken as B2, . . . .

Features may similarly be taken as B1 to B4, C1 and C2, D1 to D5, E1 toE4, F1 to F4, G1, etc., respectively.

As in FIG. 6A, the definition character a, for example, may be describedas given below by an expression (2): $\begin{matrix}{a = {1.0\left( {A\quad 1} \right)100*\left( {{1.0\left( {B\quad 2} \right)100} + {1.0\left( {B\quad 3} \right)100}} \right)*\left( {{1.0(C)100} + {1.0\left( {C\quad 2} \right)100*\left( {{1.0\left( {D\quad 1} \right)100} + {1.0\left( {D\quad 2} \right)100} + {1.0\left( {D\quad 5} \right)100}} \right)*1.0\left( {F\quad 1} \right)100}} \right.}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

Other definition characters may also be described as shown in FIG. 6A.

Note that in FIG. 6A, “*” indicates a predetermined logical operationlike the logical product (AND) and “+” indicates a predetermined logicaloperation like the logical sum (OR).

Here will be explained a description of “1.0(A1)100” by way of example.

As mentioned above, the “(A1)” represents that the attribute of thevoice feature is a speaker's voice.

Weighting Factor:

The “1.0” in the description of “1.0(A1)100” is a weighting factor forthe “(A1)”. It is expediently assumed herein that it is 0 to 1.0.

Since the weighting factor is an expedient one for predeterminedcalculation, it is set (described) within a range of 0 to 100 or 0 to10.

Detection Ratio Coefficient:

The “100” in the description of “1.0(A1)100” is a detection ratiocoefficient for the “(A1)”. In case the detection ratio coefficient is100% in a playback unit section, the “1.0(A1)100” will meet therequirement.

With a description of “1.0(A1)50”, for example, the “1.0(A1)100” willmeet the requirement if the detection ratio coefficient is 50%.

The detection ratio will be explained based on the expression (3) givenlater.

It is expediently assumed herein that the detection ratio coefficient iswithin a range of 0 to 100.

Since the detection ratio coefficient is an expedient one forpredetermined calculation, it is set (described) within a range of 0 to1 or 0 to 10.

Note here that the above detection ratio coefficient is one when thecharacteristic could have been detected in the playback unit section.

For example, with the above description of “1.0(A1)100”, if thespeaker's voice has not been detected in 100%, it may be determined thatthe characteristic of the “(A1)” has no been detected.

With the description of “1.0(A1)50”, for example, if the speaker's voicehas been detected in 50%, it is determined that the characteristic hasbeen detected. That is, in the predetermined section, a ratio at which apredetermined feature has been detected can be represented by acoefficient.

Detection Ratio of Feature Data:

On this account, the detection ratio of feature data will be explained.

The operation of detection will be explained later with reference toFIGS. 34 and 35. The present invention has introduced therein anoperation concept that there are set predetermined sections such as avoice segment feature and playback unit (or play unit) (PU) which is setcorrespondingly to the voice segment feature.

On this account, a detection ratio of the predetermined feature data inrelation to all the PU sections is used to calculate a ratio between thepredetermined characteristics.

On the assumption that a playback unit has a section length (framelength, length of time or the like) fa and feature data P is to bedetected in sections f0 and f1 as shown in FIG. 7, the detection ratio Fof feature data P can be calculated based on the expression (3) givenbelow:F=Σfi/fa=(f0+f1)/fa  (3)

The value calculated using the expression (3) will be used in theevaluation value processing which will be explained in detail later.

EXAMPLE 1 Example of evaluation value processing

An example of how to calculate an evaluation value (importance) will beexplained below.

An ideal value and result of detection of each feature data areprocessed as follows.

For example, the following processes (1) through (5) are done withp=m(M)n:

Process 1:

A detection ratio s of each predetermined feature data is calculatedusing the expression (3).

Process 2:

The result of calculation is compared with the above detection ratiocoefficient n, and it is assumed here that:In case s<n, p=m×s  (4)In case s≧n, p=m×100  (5)

Process 3:

In the above logical sum (+), when the feature data M is a feature ofthe same attribute such as M1, M2, . . . , averaging is made.

In the above logical product (*), a concept of operation such as alogical product coefficient r is introduced, and it is multiplied by theresult of the averaging.

Process 4:

The above operation is made for each feature data M, calculated valuesare added, and the result of addition is taken as an evaluation value.

Process 5:

The calculated evaluation values are compared among them, and a meaningof the largest evaluation value is taken as the meaning of the playbackunit a.

The above evaluation value processing is a typical example. However, itmay be any other operation of calculation as long as the correspondencebetween the detected feature data or ratio of the feature data detectedin the playback unit section and a set “meaning” is appropriate.

For example, in case the process 3 uses a logical product calculation,averaging is done or the feature data on the same attributes are onlyadded together without multiplication by a logical product coefficient.

In case the same feature data are subjected to the logical productioncalculation in the process 3, the detecting conditions are stricter thanthose for the logical sum calculation, so that an operation may be madefor the detected value to be larger than that in the logical sumcalculation.

The application of the aforementioned expression (2) will be explainedherebelow.

For example, the features are detected at the ratios as shown in Table 4listing also detection ratio coefficients and weighting factors. TABLE 4Detection Feature Detection ratio ratio coefficient Weighting factor pA1 100 100 1.0 100 B2 80 100 1.0 80 B3 80 100 1.0 80 C1 100 100 1.0 100C2 100 100 1.0 100 D1 80 100 1.0 80 D2 80 100 1.0 80 D5 80 100 1.0 80 F180 100 1.0 80

In case the logical sum calculation (+) is to be made because thefeatures B2, B3, C1 and C2 are equal in type to each other but differentin detected attribute from each other, because the features are detectedin different areas or because of the similar reason, the features areaveraged. In this case, the evaluation value h is as given by thefollowing expression (6) on the basis of the expression (2):$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{h = {100 + {\left( {80 + 80} \right)/2} + {\left( {100 + 100} \right)/2} +}} \\{{\left( {80 + 80 + 80} \right)/3} + 80} \\{= {100 + 80 + 100 + 80 + 80}} \\{= 440}\end{matrix} & (6)\end{matrix}$

Otherwise, the feature data may be averaged according to their type, andthe result of averaging be taken as an evaluation value. In this case,since the feature data are of five types A to F, the evaluation value hmay be as given by the following expression (7):h=440/5=88  (7)

-   -   Logical product calculation of relation among feature data equal        in attribute to one another:

Here will be explained a case in which feature data having the sameattribute, for example, B2 and B3, in the above expression (2) arelogical products, that is, (1.0(B2)100*1.0(B3)100.

A concept of the logical product coefficient r is derived from theaforementioned evaluation value processing (process 3) to makecalculation r(80+80)/2.

On the assumption that r=1.5, $\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{h = {100 + {1.5 \times {\left( {80 + 80} \right)/2}} + {\left( {100 + 100} \right)/2} +}} \\{{\left( {80 + 80 + 80} \right)/3} + 80} \\{= {100 + 120 + 100 + 80 + 80}} \\{= 480}\end{matrix} & (8)\end{matrix}$

Also, averaging the result of the above calculation by the number oftypes of the feature data (=5) results in the following evaluation valueh:h=480/5=96  (9)

In the above case, since the conditions for the logical productcalculation are stricter than those for the logical sum calculation, theevaluation value of a detected “meaning” should be somewhat lager.

Also, on the assumption that r=0.8, $\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{h = {100 + {0.8 \times {\left( {80 + 80} \right)/2}} + {\left( {100 + 100} \right)/2} +}} \\{{\left( {80 + 80 + 80} \right)/3} + 80} \\{= {100 + 64 + 100 + 80 + 80}} \\{= 424}\end{matrix} & (10)\end{matrix}$

Also, averaging the result of the above calculation by the number oftypes of the feature data (=5) results in the following evaluation valueh:h=424/5=84.5  (11)

In the above case, such an arrangement is made that a smaller evaluationvalue will be detected, which is opposite to the aforementioned case,since the conditions for the logical product calculation are stricterthan those for the logical sum calculation.

-   -   Product sum calculation of relation among feature data different        in attribute from one another:

In this calculation, feature data different in attribute from each otherare represented each by a logical product operator (*) as given in theaforementioned expression (2). However, they are represented each by alogical sum operator (+) as the case may be.

For the simplicity of explanation, only the first and second terms A1and B2 of the expression (2) are determined and placed in the expression(2):a=1.0(A1)100+1.0(B2)100  (12)

The operation is made expediently based on a concept of logical sumcoefficient w as having been described concerning the evaluation valueprocessing represented by the aforementioned expression (3).

In this case, the evaluation value h is calculated as follows based onthe above expression (12):h=(100+80)w  (13)

When w=1, the logical product calculation leads to the following:a=1.0(A1)100*1.0(B2)100  (14)h=100+80=180  (15)

The logical sump calculation given by the expression (8) is made for theevaluation value to be larger than that in the logical productcalculation so that when:w=1.5  (16)h=(100+80)×1.5=270  (17)

Also, the logical sump calculation given by the expression (8) is madefor the evaluation value to be smaller than that in the logical productcalculation so that when:w=0.8  (18)h=(100+80)×0.8=144  (19)

Since the evaluation value processing is a concept expedientlyintroduced for evaluation of the value of an expression which is acombination of a set meaning, feature data, various coefficients, etc.,the range and value of each coefficient in the above evaluationexpression are not limited to the above but may be set smaller orlarger.

An evaluation value of each section of a playback unit stated in a ruleincluded in the rule file is determined through calculation of the aboveevaluation value. For example, in the summary playback mode, a PUsection of which the evaluation value is large is selected according tothe time of summary playback, and a PU section of which the evaluationvalue is smaller is selected until the time of summary is approximatedas much as possible.

By playing back each PU section thus selected, it is possible to make apredetermined summary playback.

Other method of evaluation value processing:

A value w(M)*k is determined based on one term of each of theabove-mentioned feature data n and predetermined operator *.

In the case of P(*k(n), det(n)),d(n)=P(*k(n), det(n))  (20)

d(n) corresponding to any following the operator * is determined asfollows:

(1) In the case of*=(∥>), namely, in the case of P((∥>)k(n), det(n)) isdescribed as follows:if (k(n)≦det(n)) then d(n)=0  (21)else d(n)=100  (22)

(2) In the case of *=(∥<), that is, in the case of P((∥<)k(n), det(n)),if(k(n)>det(n)) then d(n)=0  (23)else d(n)=100  (24)

In the above operations (1) and (2), a value d(n) being processed isprocessed into 100 or 0 correspondingly to the detection det(n) and setdetection ratio k(n). So, the operations (1) and (2) are more effectivein characterizing feature data remarkably than in operation (3) or (4)which will be explained below and in which a value being processed isprocessed into a difference.

(3) In the case of *=(|>), that is, in the case of P((|>)k(n), det(n)),if(k(n)<det(n) then d(n)=0  (25)else d(n)=|k(n)−det(n)|  (26)

(4) In case *=(|<), that is, in case P((|<)k(n), det(n)),if(k(n)>det(n) then d(n)=0  (27)else d(n)=|k(n)−det(n)|  (28)

Therefore, the evaluation value will be as given by the followingexpression (29): $\begin{matrix}{\sum\limits^{n}\quad{{w(n)} \times {\left( {100 - {d(n)}} \right)/{\sum\limits^{n}\quad{w(n)}}}}} & (29)\end{matrix}$

With introduction of the above-mentioned operator, it is possible tomake a following description in case there exist feature data A1 and B2,for example:a=1.0(A1)(∥<)100+1.0(B2)(|<)100  (30)

In this case, on the assumption that the detection ratio of the featureA1 (actual detected value) is 100 and that of the feature B2 is 80, theabove operations (1) and (4) result in the following evaluation value h:$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{h = {{1.0 \times \left( {100 - 0} \right)} + {1.0{\left( {100 - 80} \right)/\left( {1.0 + 1.0} \right)}}}} \\{= {{\left( {100 + 20} \right)/2} = 60}}\end{matrix} & (31)\end{matrix}$

There are available some methods for the evaluation value processing asabove. However, the evaluation value may be calculated by any othermethod.

The description of the rule 1 shown in FIG. 6A is an example ofrepresentation of the appearance pattern (meaning) of data to bedescribed. In this description, letters a, b, c, . . . are used asmeanings. However, letters A, B, C . . . may be used as their negationsand “*” be used as a wildcard character.

Operation Under Rule 2

The operation under the rule 2 is such that an operation is made withconsideration given to the linkage in meaning among the playback unitswhich are predetermined sections having been signified with theaforementioned operation under the rule 1.

The operation under the rule 2 includes time correction based on thetime correction coefficient, that is, time weighting.

For example, when the evaluation value of the meaning a is taken as 70and that of the meaning b is as 80 in the operation under the rule 1,the evaluation value g of (ab) is given as follows:g=70+80=150

Otherwise, the number of meanings may be averaged. The number ofmeanings (a and b) is divided by two as follows:g=510/2=75

Otherwise, the evaluation values may be multiplied together as follows:g=70×80=5600

For example, the evaluation value g may be normalized by “100” (assumedto be a maximum value) as follows:g=5600/100=56

In the weighting of a time correction coefficient, “gt” is taken as afinal evaluation value on the assumption that the above-mentioned (ab)can be detected at a time t, its evaluation value is g and the timecorrection coefficient (weighting factor) is w.

The time correction coefficient is described as its change point(information data in a change-point coordinate system) in place in therule 2 in the rule file according to a predetermined rule ofdescription.

An example of the operation under the rule 2 is shown in FIG. 6B.

Time Correction Coefficient:

First, the time correction coefficient will be explained.

The time correction coefficient is utilizable to correct the time forsummary in a predetermined program genre in the rule file.

Some of the users may possibly want to play back some of predeterminedbroadcast programs mainly for the former or latter half of the length ofbroadcasting time as the case may be.

On this account, it is possible to weight a time period (or time instantas the case may be) for a predetermined section to be summary- ordigest-played-back with consideration given to various parameterscorresponding to a broadcast program, such as the genre, broadcast timeand others of the program to be recorded.

That is, the section to be weighted for the time period will be given alarger importance of summary (or digest) playback than that to be givento sections for the other time period.

FIGS. 8A to 8I show examples of the time correction function for thetime weighting.

FIG. 8A shows time weighting of an entire predetermined summary playbacksection with the same importance.

FIG. 8B shows time weighting of the predetermined section with a largerimportance given to the former half than that given to the latter half.

FIG. 8C shows time weighting of the predetermined section with a largerimportance given to the latter half of the section than that given tothe former half.

FIG. 8D shows time weighting of the predetermined section with a largerimportance given to the former and latter portions of the section thanthat given to the middle portion.

FIG. 8E shows time weighting of the predetermined section with a largerimportance given to the middle portion of the section than that given tothe former and latter portions.

FIG. 8F shows a combination of two correction functions as shown in FIG.8D but different from each other, showing time weighting with differentlevels of importance given to the former portion, to between the formerand central portions, to between the central and latter portions and tothe latter portion, respectively.

FIG. 8G shows a combination of two correction functions as shown in FIG.8E but different from each other, showing time weighting with differentlevels of importance given to the former portion, to between the formerand central portions, to between the central and latter portions and tothe latter portion, respectively.

FIG. 8H shows a combination of the correction functions as shown inFIGS. 8C and 8D, respectively, and FIG. 8I shows a combination of thecorrection functions as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8B, respectively.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the general form of the time correctionfunction in which the start, change and end points are PO(ts, s3),P1(t1, s3), . . . , Pe(te, s0), respectively.

In the coordinate in FIG. 9, the y-axis indicates weighting within arage of 0 and 100 (maximum value is 100 and minimum value is 0), forexample, for the simplicity of explanation, and the x-axis indicatespositional information set within a range of 0 to 100 in value in thesame dimension as that of “start/end position information” as will beexplained later with reference to FIGS. 41 to 43 or in ratio from thestart point based on a section between the start and end points.

-   -   Determination of meanings of, and relation, among playback units        connected to one another:

As having been explained above, it is possible to set meanings for theplayback units (PU) on the basis of feature data resulted from apredetermined extraction.

Here will be explained a video data structure as shown in FIG. 10.

A program k may be divided into some scenes m, m+1, . . . , and each ofthe scenes be divided into some shots.

Each of the segments (shot) forms one frame.

The breakpoint between the scenes is a scene change point.

The segments (will also be referred as shot or image segment hereunderwherever appropriate) may be a combination of similar imagescorresponding to each scene or a combination of similar imagecharacteristics.

The segments, segments, etc. have concepts unique to their meanings inthe program.

Some segments and scenes each having its own meaning are combinedtogether to form a video data structure in the program.

For example, in case a scene of a batter lasts in a broadcast program ofa baseball game, similar images of the batter are detected and the scenecan be divided into similar characteristic segments. The segments willhave a meaning (concept of meaning) “images of the batter”.

Also, in case a scene of a pitcher throwing a ball lasts in thebroadcast baseball game program, similar images of the pitcher aredetected and the scene can be divided into similar characteristicsegments. The segments will have a meaning (concept of meaning) “imagesof the pitcher”.

When it is supposed that the pitcher throws a ball, and the batter hitsthe ball and runs toward the base, it is possible to detect a linkagebetween image scenes having their own meanings, such as “image scene ofthe pitcher”, “image scene of the batter” and “image scene of the batterin base running”.

Image feature data and voice feature data in a predetermined program areprocessed in each of the above-mentioned PUs to set a meaning for eachof PUs correspondingly to the feature data. For example, a scene of anews program, in which a caster (announcer) first reads news items (newsheadline), will include features of one or two persons, telop (tlpfeature), speaker's voice as attribute of voice feature, etc., and thenews program itself includes some scenes in which the caster reads news.Thus, the news program includes a plurality of scenes similar to thescenes where the caster or caster reads. Therefore, the similar imagefeature, namely, a certain ID, will appear more frequently.

As above, it is possible to set a meaning for each of PUscorrespondingly to predetermined feature data such as person's feature,voice feature, telop feature, similar image feature and other feature asin the operation under the rule 1, which has previously been explained.

In the above example of the baseball game program, the relation amongPUs connected to one another has a predetermined meaning. That is, PUshaving predetermined feature data or characteristic data are connectedto one another in a predetermined manner.

The relation among the playback units (PU) having the predeterminedmeanings, that is, for which the predetermined meanings are set, isshown in FIG. 11.

In FIG. 11, predetermined meanings a to d are set in a program(broadcast program).

The relation among certain sections PU(n) to PU(n+2) connected to oneanother indicates that the meaning a of PU(n), b of PU(n+1) and c ofPU(n+2) are connected to one another in a most natural manner.

FIG. 11 shows the connected relation among PUs for a sumo-wrestlingbroadcast program. As will be known, it is most appropriate andreasonable that the meaning a “Scene of match introduction” is followedby the meaning b “Scene of initial rise for fighting” and that themeaning b “Scene of initial rise for fighting” is followed by themeaning c “Scene of fighting”.

The connected relation among PUs may be defined by a series of charactersuch as “abc”. When the character series “abc” corresponds to keyframes, it is possible to find out “abc” in a broadcast program and setthe first and last sections thus found or their nearest points aspredetermined set points.

In case playback units in a section correspond to meanings “throw aball”, “hit”, “meaningless” and “get across”, respectively, in abaseball game broadcast program, PUs determined to have the threemeanings “throw a ball”, “hit” and “get across” except for the meaning“meaningless” may be put together to provide a predetermined PU lumpsignified as “throw a ball/hit/get across”.

Also, it is not any problem that the PU having the meaning “meaningless”is put together with the other PUs because it is determined to have nomeaning. Thus, the above four PUs may be put together to provide apredetermined PU lump signified as “throw a ball/hit/meaningless/getacross”.

The above “meaningless” is set because it is possible that predeterminedsignification is made based on some meanings defined based onpredetermined feature data by predetermination evaluation in theaforementioned operation under the rule 1, that is, that no positivesignification can be made based on a plurality of meanings by thepredetermined signal processing.

The “meaningless” may be “whatever meaning will do”. The operation usingthe latter definition is similar to that using the definition character@.

FIG. 12A shows an example of news program in which a connection of“aabb”, that is, “scene with appearance of announcer”, “scene withappearance of announcer”, “scene of affair or accident” and “scene ofaffair or accident”. is appropriate and reasonable.

FIG. 12B shows an example of the aforementioned sumo-wrestling program.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show processing of a new program under the rule 2.FIG. 13A shows that a reference pattern (series of reference characters)is “aabb” and FIG. 13B shows that sections having the reference pattern“aabb” are detected in predetermined program record sections andsections A1 and A2 in the illustration are found to have the referencepattern “aabb”.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the start points p1 and p3, and end points p2 andp4 of the sections found to have the reference pattern “aabb”, forexample, are set as predetermined set points to make a predeterminedprocessing of chapter data (positional information data) of a play listwhich will be explained later. In the summary playback mode, forexample, the playback is controlled to play back the set points p1, p2,p3 and p4.

For the chapter setting, setting of predetermined points in time(predetermined position setting), etc., the points in time p1, p2, p3and p4 and predetermined points near the time points are taken as setpositions and subjected to predetermined processing.

Thus, playback control can be made by judging based on predeterminedfeature data that PU has a predetermined meaning, setting the PU to havethe predetermined meaning, assuming the relation in connection betweenthe meanings on the basis of the PU set to have such meaning, andassuming the connection and set of a predetermined number of PUscorresponding to the predetermined meaning.

In the example of the description of the operation under the rule 2,shown in FIG. 6B, a key frame (important frame) defined by a characterseries (aabb) to be detected and 100 as a weighting factor aredescribed. Ps (ts, s4), P1 (t1, s4), Pe (te, s3) is described as timecorrection functions (having previously been described) after the formerdescription. In this example, the function is such that the importancegradually decreases in the latter half of a program as shown in FIG. 14.This time correction function as shown in FIG. 14 is suitable for use tolisten to and view mainly the former half of the program.

The description of the operation under the rule 2, shown in FIG. 6B, isan example of representation of the appearance pattern (meaning) of datato be described. In this description, characters a, b, c, . . . are usedas meanings. However, characters A, B, C . . . may be used as theirnegations and “*” be used as a wildcard character. In the description ofthe operation under the rule 2, shown in FIG. 6B, in case the programbelongs to a news program genre, for example, and is defined by (Abb),“A” is other than “Scene with appearance of announcer” and “b” is “Sceneof affair or accident”. Namely, “Scene with appearance of announcer” andtwo successive “Scenes of affair or accident” will be detected.

An example of the evaluation value calculation will be explained below.A playback unit group is taken as (abc). The detection ratios (value)and weighting factors of the features a, b and c are calculated usingthe aforementioned expression (1) as shown in Table 5. TABLE 5 MeaningValue Weighting factor (important) Remarks a 1.0 100 1.0 × 100 = 100 b0.8 80 0.8 × 80 = 64  c 0.8 80 0.8 × 80 = 64  $\begin{matrix}{{{Evaluation}\quad{value}} = {100 \times {\left( {100 + 64 + 64} \right)/\left( {{weighting}\quad{factor}\quad{sum}} \right)}}} \\{= {100 \times {228/\left( {100 + 80 + 80} \right)}}} \\{= {100 \times {228/260}}} \\{= 88}\end{matrix}$

Other example of playback unit group in the operation under the rule 2:

In the above expression, (abc) is multiplied by “100” because the ratio(%) of the evaluation value is taken in account. However, since theevaluation value may be in a scale which permits a predeterminedevaluation and is not any problem in the predetermined calculation, theratio may not be taken in account unless there occurs any problem suchas overflow.

Other example of the playback unit group in the operation under the rule2:

Here will be explained how to connect a plurality of meaning group unitseach being a playback unit group formed from a plurality of playbackunits having a “meaning” and connected to one another in the operationunder the rule 2.

The operation under the rule 1 has been explained concerning only oneplayback unit. It was intended to find a playback unit most likely tohave a “meaning” from the feature data.

The operation under the rule 2 may further be expanded to detect asection resulted from connection of lumps each including a group ofplayback units, that is, a combination of playback units signified bythe operation under the rule 2.

For example, the aforementioned (aabb) may be taken as Ga1, and pluralGa1's be connected together in the form like (Ga1Ga1). In this case, theevaluation value of Ga1 is calculated by an operation similar to theoperation under the rule 1. More specifically, it is possible tocalculate the evaluation value by averaging the sum of evaluation valuesof the playback units different in meaning from each other, by averagingthe products of the evaluation values of the playback units different inmeaning from each other or by any other method.

For example, in case the evaluation of the playback unit having themeaning a is 80 and that of the playback unit having the meaning b is60, the evaluation value of Ga1 can be determined as follows by theaveraging the sum of evaluation values of the playback units:(80+80+60+60)/4=70

Normally, up to the operation under the rule 2 is done as in the example1 in FIG. 15 a. In case feature data are included in a plurality ofprograms, for example, in case each of the programs is time-weighted, anoperation under a rule 3 is to be effected as shown in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 6C shows one example in which a news program (news) and sportsprogram (sports) are weighted and time-corrected.

In the example shown in FIG. 6C, a news program is weighted in 100%, andcorrected with the start point Ps (ts, s4), change point P1 (t1, s4) andend point Pe (te, s3) as time correction coefficients. A sports news isweighted in 70%, and corrected with the start point Ps (ts, s4), changepoint P1 (t1, s4) and end point Pe (te, s3) as time correctioncoefficients.

The operations having been explained above with reference to FIG. 3 willfurther be explained below with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 16A shows signification, in some ways, of each scene by theoperation under the rule 1 on the basis of various predetermined featuredata.

A predetermined operation is effected to set an evaluation value foreach scene having been signified by the operation under the rule 2 asshown in FIG. 16B.

For example, to make playback at a user-desired time t1 in the summaryplayback mode, a scene (image) having the largest evaluation value setthereto is first selected, scenes having larger evaluation values arethen selected at points in time as approximate to the time t1 aspossible, and positional information is set to play back the sectionthus selected.

The set positional information is stored in a predetermined data memory,and it is read out of the memory when controlling the playback of apredetermined section.

The sections are sequentially played back (skip playback) to makepredetermined summary (digest) playback.

In the example shown in FIG. 16C, it is assumed that the total recordingtime is 60 min and summary playback is to be made in 15 min. In case PUshaving evaluation values of less than 70 are selected and summary-playedback, if the time for the summary playback is somewhat less than 15 min,sections of PUn+8 having evaluation values of 60 are selected so thatthe playback time will be as approximate to the desired playback time of15 min as possible.

Predetermined PU sections whose evaluation values are large are selectedto select a PU section for the playback time to be as approximate to thepredetermined one as possible.

The predetermined PU section is selected based on the evaluation valueso that the playback time T will be within a predetermined allowablerange tc of a desired playback time Tm as given below:Tm−tc<T<Tm+tc

Also, by setting predetermined positions (chapter) at the beginning (orin the vicinity thereof), and at the end (or in the vicinity thereof),of a signified section having a large evaluation value, for example, asshown in FIG. 6D, the section may be used in predetermined operationssuch as edition, pause of the playback for skip playback, repeatedplayback, etc.

2. Examples of Block Construction of the Recording/Playback Apparatus

For the simplicity of explanation, it is assumed herein that image/voicedata to be recorded is broadcast program data and the data is to bepredetermined band compression based on MPEG (Moving Picture ExpertsGroup). It should be noted that the signal may be processed by thewavelet transform, fractal analysis or the like. In case the wavelettransform, for example, is used to process the signal, a DCT coefficientof image data which will be explained below is equivalent to an analysiscoefficient in multi-resolution analysis may thus be processed by themulti-resolution analysis.

2.1 Example 1 of the block construction

FIG. 17 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of the blockstructure of a recording/playback apparatus 30 (will be referred to as“recorder/player 30” hereunder) as an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Here will be explained, for the simplicity of explanation, an example inwhich the recorder/player 30 receives a television broadcast and recordsthe received broadcast program.

2.1.1 System to Process Signal for Recording

The recorder/player 30 includes a reception antenna system 1 andreceiver 2 to receive a predetermined broadcast program, a voice A-Dconverter 3 to make predetermined A-D conversion of a voice signal inthe broadcast program with a predetermined sampling frequency andpredetermined number of quantization bits, and an voice encoder 4 towhich the voice signal thus A-D converted is then supplied.

The voice encoder 4 processes the A-D converted voice signal with apredetermined band compression technique such as MPEG audio, C3 audio(Dolby AC3 or Audio Code number 3) or the like.

The recorder/player 30 also includes another A-D converter 8 to makepredetermined A-D conversion of an image signal in the broadcast programwith a predetermined sampling frequency and predetermined number ofquantization bits, and an image encoder 9 to which the image signal thusA-D converted is supplied.

The image encoder 9 processes the A-D converted image signal with apredetermined band compression technique such as MPEG, waveletconversion or the like.

The voice and image data processed by the voice encoder 4 and imageencoder 9 as above are supplied to a recorder 6 via a multiplexer 5.

For extraction of features of the voice signal, the recorder/player 30also includes a feature extraction system 10 which is supplied with apart of the signal supplied to the voice encoder 4 or a part of thesignal being processed during the predetermined encoding operation.

In the recorder/player 30 shown in FIG. 17, a part of the signal oncesupplied to the voice encoder 4 is supplied from the voice encoder 4 tothe feature extraction system 10. However, the part of the signal may besupplied to the voice encoder 4 and also to the feature extractionsystem 10.

Also, for extraction of features of a video (image) signal, a part ofthe signal supplied to the image encoder 9 or a part being processedduring the predetermined encoding operation is supplied to the featureextraction system 10.

In the recorder/player 30 shown in FIG. 17, a part of the signal oncesupplied to the image encoder 9 is supplied from the image encoder 9 tothe feature extraction system 10. However, the part of the signal may besupplied to the image encoder 9 and also to the feature extractionsystem 10.

In the recording mode, feature data are detected one another for eachpredetermined section, and it is recorded along with image/voice datahaving been subjected to the predetermined encoding in a predeterminedrecording area in a predetermined recording medium 7.

The recorder/player 30 also includes a play list/chapter generator 19that makes a predetermined signal processing such as play listprocessing (9) to generate play list data for predetermined summary(digest) playback from the feature data or digest playback chapterprocessing (11) to generate chapter data.

Here it is possible to make the following signal processing (process (a)or (b)) to generate play list or chapter data.

Process (a):

After the feature data is stored into a predetermined memory area of apredetermined memory or system controller for a predetermined amount ofdata, the predetermined play list data and predetermined chapter dataare generated.

Process (b):

After the feature data are stored one after another for thepredetermined amount of data into the recording medium 7 which is torecord image/voice data each time the predetermined feature extractionis effected, the data is played back to generate the predetermined playlist data and predetermined chapter data.

In the above process (a), after a broadcast program for a predeterminedlength of time t is entirely recorded, all predetermined feature data inthe broadcast program are collected together. At this point in time,play list data generation can be made to determine where a key framecorresponding to a summary playback time td is in the length of time t.That is, the feature data to be processed for the length of time t willbe stored in the predetermined memory area of the memory or systemcontroller.

In the above process (b), after the broadcast program is entirelyrecorded for the predetermined length of time t as in the process (a),it is detected whether the program has been recorded for thepredetermined length of time t, the predetermined data is played backand the play list data generation corresponding to the predeterminedsummary playback time td will be started.

After completion of the play list data generation, the recorder/player30 is ready for the predetermined summary playback, and it is possibleto make the predetermined summary (digest) playback using the play listdata.

Since the play list data has already been generated, the predeterminedfeature data is erased in case no more play list data is to begenerated. However, in case the data is generated again for correctionof the play list data, the feature data may be left as it is recorded.

After the feature data in a predetermined section is stored via thesystem controller 20, it is used by the play list/chapter generator 19to generate play list data for the predetermined summary (digest)playback.

The generated play list data is recorded in a predetermined manner inthe recorder 6 and then recorded in a predetermined recording area inthe recording medium 7.

For skip playback of a section thus recorded in the predeterminedmanner, the play list data includes data as a pair of information onplayback start and end points of each predetermined section to be playedback. It includes, for example, a pair of data on a playback start framenumber and end frame number of the predetermined section.

The play list data is used for making the summary (digest) playback byskipping between predetermined necessary sections of the recordedprogram. So, the play list data may be time code data, time stamp datasuch as PTS (Presentation Time Stamp), DTS (Decode Time Stamp) or thelike defined in MPEG or the like in addition to the above-mentionedframe data.

The play list data may be used to make predetermined data generationafter completion of predetermined program recording while in therecording mode in which image/voice data as in the above-mentionedbroadcast program, and then make a predetermined operation using thefeature data while in the playback mode which will be explained later.

As will be known from FIG. 17, voice and image data having been encodedin a predetermined manner with a MPEG-based technique may not be encodedin the voice encoder 4 and image encoder 9 but may be supplied directlyto the multiplexer 5, processed by the recorder 6 and recorded into arecording medium.

It is possible to detect, by the system controller 20, whether digitalimage/voice data is supplied for direct recording or recorded after ananalog image/voice signal is supplied to the receiver 2 and encoded inthe predetermined manner. Namely, it is possible to determine, dependingupon the input system, whether the predetermined image/voice featuredata is to be extracted automatically during the recording mode or afterthe data has been recorded. Alternatively, in case the digitalimage/voice data is supplied, no data will pass through thepredetermined encoder, so that it is not necessary to make anypredetermined analysis of the data structure. In this case, thepredetermined image/voice feature data may be extracted after theimage/voice data has been recorded.

When in the recording mode, the analog or digital input system may beset according to a user's predetermination operation via a user inputinterface (I/F) 21.

As also seen from FIG. 17, the system controller 20 can automaticallydetect a signal from the voice encoder 4 or voice A-D converter 3, asignal from the image encoder 9 or image A-D converter 8, and digitaland voice data encoded in the predetermined manner.

In case the digital data encoded in the predetermined manner is detectedwhile the data from the voice encoder 4 or voice A-D converter 3, anddata from the image encoder 9 or image A-D converter 8, are notdetected, it may be determined that digital image and voice data havingbeen encoded in the predetermined manner have been supplied.

In case the digital data encoded in the predetermined manner is notdetected by the system controller 20 while the data from the voiceencoder 4 or voice A-D converter 3 and data from the image encoder 9 orimage A-D converter 8 are not detected by the system controller 20, thedata may be determined to be an analog input.

Both the analog input and digital data encoded in the predeterminedmanner are detected, the analog input signal from the receiver 2 may berecorded in a predetermined manner for initialization (default setting).

The feature extraction is made based on DCT data on an image, forexample. So, in case the data is encoded in the predetermined manner,the DCT for ordinary data recording may be used for the featureextraction as well. Since subband-coded data is used in thepredetermined encoding, the subband coding for the ordinary datarecording may be used for encoding the voice data in the predeterminedmanner for extraction of feature data.

In case the encoded digital data is supplied directly to therecorder/player 30, no encoding may be done. So, it is necessary toanalyze the digital data and extract feature data by DCT, which willcause a load to the recorder/player 30.

On this account, the feature data is extracted as necessary after thedigital data is recorded. Alternatively, also in case analog data issupplied, feature data may automatically be extracted after the analogdata is recorded correspondingly to the extent of the load to the signalprocessor.

The feature extraction may be done by software as shown in FIG. 20, forexample. Since it depends upon the performance of the system controllerwhether the feature extraction can be made simultaneously with eachpredetermined signal processing in the recording mode, the featureextraction is to be done after completion of the predeterminedrecording. Also, the system controller 20 may include a CPU, DISP(digital signal processor) and other various processors. However, thehigher the performance, the more expensive the system controller is. So,it may be determined correspondingly to the processing ability whetherthe feature extraction is to be done simultaneously with the recordingor after the recording.

The predetermined feature extraction may be done after completion of thepredetermined recording mode, for example, after completion of apredetermined time recording operation or in the night for which, it isnormally assumable, the apparatus is not operated by the user. In such acase, a time period for which the apparatus is in operation should bestored in the predetermined memory in the system controller 20 and thetime period for which the feature extraction is to be effected shouldautomatically be set appropriately by predetermined learning.

Also, in case a time period for which the apparatus is normally not inoperation for recording or playback is detected by the system controller20, the predetermined feature extraction may be effected for the periodduring which the apparatus is not in use by the user. In this case, allpredetermined data have not possibly been processed. A point of whichprocessing has been interrupted is to be memorized in the predeterminedmemory in the system controller 20, and it is to be detected that theapparatus is not normally in operation for recording or playback. If itis determined that a time for which signal processing can be done isavailable, the predetermined signal processing interrupted once is to beresumed at the interrupted point.

2.1.2 Operation of the Playback System of the Apparatus

Normal Playback Mode

Next, there will be explained the signal processing for playback in therecorder/player 30 shown in FIG. 17.

First, the operations in the normal mode of playback will be explained.

When the normal mode of playback is set by a user input interface 21,predetermined data including predetermined image/voice data, featuredata, etc. are played back from the recording medium 7, and subjected topredetermined playback n the playback system 12.

The predetermined data thus played back is separated by a playback dataseparator 13 into predetermined data. Voice data is supplied to a voicedecoder 14 in which it will be decoded in a predetermined mannercorresponding to a signal processing technique with which the data hasbeen subjected to the band compression at the time of recording,supplied to a voice D-A converter 15 where it will be D-A converted, andthen provided as a voice signal.

Also, image (video) data sorted in a predetermined manner is decoded bya video decoder 16 in a predetermined manner corresponding to the signalprocessing technique with which the data has been subjected to the bandcompression at the time of recording, supplied to a video D-A converter17 in which it will be D-A converted, and then provided as a videosignal.

Summary (Digest) Playback Mode

In the summary (digest) playback mode, processing of image/voice datadiffers depending upon whether or not the image voice data is recordedalong with feature data and play list data in the recording medium.

FIG. 18 shows how the feature data and play list data are recorded inthe recording medium.

Firstly, in case play list data (play list data file) and chapter dataas in FIGS. 18A and 18B can be played back, that is, in case the playlist data and chapter data are recorded in a predetermined recordingmedium (data recording medium) and can be played back in the summaryplayback mode or predetermined chapter image can be displayed as athumbnail in the chapter display mode, the image/voice data will beprocessed as in the following:

Namely, the processing is made as follows when the user selects thesummary playback mode or chapter display mode.

In case feature data, parameter data, play list data, chapter data, etc.subjected to the predetermined data separation in the playback dataseparator 13 have been recorded when the user supplies the systemcontroller 20 with a command for an operation in the predeterminedsummary (digest) playback mode via the user input interface 21, theseparated predetermined feature data, predetermined parameter data,predetermined play list data, chapter data, etc. will be supplied to thesystem controller 20.

In case the feature data, parameter data, play list data and chapterdata cannot be separated by the playback data separator 13, these datawill not be supplied to the system controller 20. So the playback dataseparator 13 and system controller 20 judge whether the feature data,play list data, predetermined chapter data, parameter data, etc. arerecorded in the predetermined recording medium 7.

The play list data includes playback start and end point information onsome predetermined playback sections in order to make predeterminedsummary playback.

The chapter data includes positional information on the top of apredetermined feature section or a position near the top, bottom of thepredetermined feature section or a position near the bottom, top of asection other than a feature section connected to the feature section ora position near the top, or bottom of a section other than the featuresection or a position near the bottom.

The system controller 20 makes summary (digest) playback by making skipplayback correspondingly to skip playback start and end data in playlist data detected through playback.

Also, a display processor 27 processes, for display, an image of achapter point or a point near the chapter point as a predeterminedthumbnail on the basis of the predetermined chapter data, and makes apredetermined image display.

As will be described next, in case play list data (play list data file)and chapter data as in FIGS. 18C and 18D cannot be played back, that is,in case the play list data and chapter data are not recorded in thepredetermined recording medium or storage medium and cannot be playedback in the summary playback mode, a series of chapter-relatedoperations such as predetermined thumbnail display, chapter playback,etc. cannot be done at the thumbnail point in time when in the chapterdisplay mode.

The explanation made herein applies to playback of image/voice data fromanother recording medium as in case a recording medium 25 is played asDVD software in the recording medium processor 26 and playback system12, not to playback of a received image/voice data such as theaforementioned broadcast program, and to playback of image/voice datawhose feature has not been extracted.

In case any play list or chapter data has not been generated and cannotthus be detected through playback or in case it is desired tore-generate play list data or chapter data detected through playback, itis possible to generate summary-playback play list data and chapter datafor predetermined chapter-related mode chapter data from predeterminedfeature data and parameter data detected through playback.

In a case shown in FIG. 26C, that is, in case feature data can be playedback because feature has been extracted at the time of recording, playlist data or predetermined feature data is supplied from the playbacksystem 12 or playback data separator 13 in the recorder/player 30 shownin FIG. 17 to the play list/chapter generator 19 which will generatepredetermined play list data or predetermined chapter data.

For this operation being explained here, the display processor 27 may beadapted to provide a predetermined indication that the play list data asshown in FIG. 19 is not existent when the user has entered a command forthe summary playback mode.

The generated play list data is supplied to the system controller 20.The system controller 20 will control a playback controller 18 so thatpredetermined playback sections based on the play list data will beplayed back one after another (skip playback) correspondingly to apredetermined summary playback time instructed by the user, and thus theplayback controller 18 will control the playback operation of therecording medium 7.

Also, the generated chapter data is supplied to the system controller20. The system controller 20 will control the playback controller 18 sothat predetermined chapter-related operations such as display of animage as a thumbnail at a predetermined chapter point in time based onthe chapter data, editing operations such as cutting, connection, etc.of chapter points, skip playback of chapter points selected by the user,etc., and thus the playback controller 18 will control the playbackoperation of the recording medium 7 and the operation of the displayprocessor 27 by means of the system controller 20.

As above, also in case an external recording medium such as DVD issummary-played back as the recording medium 25, the similar signalprocessing to the above may be done. The recording medium processor 26is controlled by the playback controller 18 to make the predeterminedsummary playback as above.

Also, it is possible to make, through the similar signal processing tothe above, a series of predetermined chapter-related operations such asthe edition using chapter data, skip playback between predeterminedchapter points (or points near the chapter points), display of an imageas a thumbnail at the chapter points (or points near the chapterpoints), etc. Thus, the recording medium processor 26 is controlled bythe playback controller 18 to make predetermined signal processing asabove.

In addition, the feature data shown in FIG. 16D cannot be played back,as will be explained below.

The above example has been explained concerning the generation of playlist data and chapter data from feature data. However, if the externalrecording medium 25 to which data has been recorded by another user iscopied to the recording medium A, the feature data cannot be played backin some cases.

In case the recording medium 7 has recorded therein image/voice datasuch as a broadcast program, not any feature data, it is not possible toplayback any feature data, as will be explained below.

For the operation being explained here, the display processor 27 may beadapted to provide a predetermined indication that the feature data asshown in FIG. 19 is not existent when the user has entered a command forthe summary playback mode or predetermined chapter-related operationmode.

To play back the image/voice data from the recording medium A (7) in thesummary playback mode in this case, the data played back by the playbacksystem 12 is supplied to the playback data separator 13, and the imageand voice data thus separated and having been subjected to thepredetermined band compression are supplied to the feature extractionsystem 10 in which these data will be subjected to various types ofpredetermined feature data detection to detect DCT, DC coefficient, ACcoefficient, motion vector, etc. as image characteristic data, and voicepower as voice characteristic data.

The feature extraction system 10 will further extract, based on theabove-mentioned various image/voice characteristic data andpredetermined parameter data, predetermined telop feature data (telopsection judgment data), person's feature data and other image featuredata (image feature section judgment data), and speaker's voice featuredata (speaker's voice judgment data), applause/cheer feature data(applause/cheer judgment data) and other voice feature data (voicefeature judgment data).

The above-mentioned various image feature data and voice feature dataare supplied to the system controller 20, and it is determined, when thepredetermined feature extraction from all the predetermined image/voicesections is complete, that the feature extraction is over.

In case the feature extraction is over, a signal indicating that thepredetermined signal processing is complete is supplied from the systemcontroller 20 to the display processor 27. The display processor 27 maybe adapted to provide a predetermined indication as shown in FIG. 19.

Next, there will be explained an operation to generate predeterminedplay list data and chapter data from the feature data.

The aforementioned feature data is stored into the memory 11 for each ofthe predetermined feature-extraction sections. When all the operationsfor the predetermined features are complete, the feature data aresupplied to the play list/chapter generator 19 which will generatepredetermined play list or chapter data.

Note here that the feature-extraction data of a predetermined sectionmay be supplied from the feature extraction system 10 directly to theplay list/chapter generator 19 and that when the feature extraction ofall the above-mentioned predetermined sections and predeterminedbroadcast program is complete, the play list/chapter generator 19 maygenerate the aforementioned predetermined play list data or chapter dataon the basis of the predetermined signal from the system controller 20.

Also, the processed feature data from the feature extraction system maybe processed to the play list/chapter generator 19 via the systemcontroller 20.

When the play list/chapter generator 19 has generated the predeterminedplay list data or chapter data, a signal indicating that thepredetermined operations are over is supplied to the system controller20 which can thus make a predetermined chapter-related operation usingsummary-playback or predetermined chapter data corresponding to adesired summary-playback time.

In this case, there is provided a predetermined indication that the playlist data or chapter data could has successfully been generated as shownin FIG. 19. Alternatively, there is made on the display processingsystem 27 an indication that the apparatus is in a summary playback modeand predetermined chapter-related mode of operation.

In case it is not known in which length of time the user wants to makesummary playback of a recorded one hour-long broadcast program lasting,30 or 20 min, play list data corresponding to some lengths of playbacktime may be generated in advance correspondingly to a sum of lengths oftime of all sections of image/voice data such as the recorded broadcastprogram, from which features have been extracted.

In case the broadcast program from which features are to be extracted isa one-hour one, summary playback is made for 40, 30 and 20 min togenerate play list data for each of the lengths of playback time. Bygenerating the play list data in this way, it is possible to makesummary playback operations corresponding to all the predeterminedlengths of playback time in case such summary lengths of time areselected by the user operating the remote controller 22 or a similarremote commander.

Playing the recording medium 25 is similar to the playing of therecording medium A (7). Namely, the recording medium 25 is detected bythe recording medium processor 26, a playback signal is processed by theplayback processor 12, and predetermined image/voice data is separatedby the playback data generator 13. Since the subsequent signalprocessing is similar to that for playing the recording medium 7, so itwill not be explained herein.

By installing a control program for performing a series of operationsinto a computer incorporated in a dedicated hardware or by installingvarious programs, the control program is installed into ageneral-purpose personal computer or the like capable of performingvarious functions.

The recording medium may be a package medium such as a hard disk havingthe control program recorded therein as well as a magnetic disk, opticaldisk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory or the like having theprogram recorded therein and which is distributed for providing the userwith the program separately from the computer.

22. Example 2 of the Block Construction

The present invention will further be explained with reference to FIG.20 showing a another example of the recorder/player 30 shown in FIG. 17.The recorder/player is generally indicated with a reference numeral 30Ain FIG. 20.

The signal recording/playback of a broadcast program is similar to thatmade in the recorder/player 30 shown in FIG. 17, and only differencesfrom the signal recording/playback in the recorder/player 30 will beexplained herebelow.

2.2.1 Signal Processing in the Recording System

The difference of the recorder/player 30A in FIG. 20 from therecorder/player 30 lies in that a series of signal processing operationsfor feature extraction in the recording mode is made by software in thesystem controller 20.

In the recorder/player 30A, predetermined software is downloaded over anetwork system 24 and used to make feature extraction, play listprocessing (chapter generation (generation of information such asplayback section and playback point in time)) by software operations aswill be explained below.

The downloading of the software according to the present invention by asoftware operation will advantageously permit an existing apparatushaving the software according to the present invention not initiallyinstalled therein to utilize the downloaded software. For example, incase the software cannot be manufactured or sold in time forinstallation in a recording/playback system, the manufacturer may firstprovide the user with a simple-configured system having not appliedtherein the software according to the present invention, andsubsequently a system having the software applied therein after thesoftware is manufactured.

After buying the simple-configured system having not applied therein thesoftware according to the present invention, the user can advantageouslyadd further functions to his or her system since he can install thesoftware into his system by a software operation.

Also, for correcting or improving the processing system, the user canadvantageously upgrade the system by downloading the software accordingto the present invention.

To download the software according to the present invention into hissystem, the user operates a predetermined control system (such as theremote controller 22 or the like) to access to a predetermined Internetsite over the network system 24 and download the software according tothe present invention by operating the predetermined control system.

The software according to the present invention, thus downloaded, isdecompressed and installed in predetermined manners in the systemcontroller 20, and then the predetermined processing functions accordingto the present invention such as the predetermined feature extraction,play list generation, chapter setting, etc. are provided in the user'ssystem.

Using a microprocessor (MPU or CPU) having predetermined functions, thesystem controller 20 is able to make the predetermined featureextraction and recording simultaneously.

Also, the predetermined data memory provided in the system controller 20may be used as the aforementioned memory 11.

To make predetermined image/voice band compression as one of theaforementioned predetermined recording operations, MPU or CPU having theabove predetermined functions or DSP (digital signal processor) may beused. Namely, the same MPU or CPU or DSP making the band compression maybe used to make the aforementioned predetermined feature extraction andplay list generation.

2.2.2 Signal Processing in the Playback System

The difference of the recorder/player 30A in FIG. 20 from therecorder/player 30 lies in that a series of signal processing operationsis made by software in the system controller 20 when the featureextraction is effected in the playback mode without any feature databeing detectable.

Using the microprocessor (MPU or CPU) having the predeterminedfunctions, the system controller 20 is able to make the predeterminedfeature extraction and recording simultaneously.

Also, the predetermined data memory provided in the system controller 20may be used as the aforementioned memory 11.

3. Feature Extraction

Next, there will be explained operations for voice feature extractionand image feature extraction.

3.1 Voice Feature Extraction

In the voice feature extraction system, image/voice stream data based onMPEG is supplied o a stream separator 100 in which it will be separatedinto image and voice data, and the voice data is supplied to a voicedata decoder 101 in which it will be decoded in a predetermined manner,as shown in FIG. 21.

The decoded voice data (voice signal) is each of a level processor 102,data counter 103 and data buffer 104. In the level processor 102, thedata is processed into an absolute value for calculation of a mean power(mean level) Pav of predetermined sections of the voice data, and themean power is integrated by a voice data integrator 105 until the datacounter 103 counts a predetermined number of sample data.

The mean power Pav can be determined by making calculation of theexpression (32) given below: $\begin{matrix}{{Pav} = {\sum\limits^{nd}\quad{{{{Ad}(n)}}/{Sm}}}} & (32)\end{matrix}$where Ad(n) is a value (level) of he voice data.

The predetermined section for which the mean level is to be calculatedmay be, for example, about 0.01 sec (10 msec) to 1 sec. On theassumption that the sampling frequency Fs is Fs=48 kHz, for example,calculation is made of 480 to 48,000 samples and he calculated valuesare averaged with a number of samples Sm to determine a mean level (meanpower) Pav.

The data Pav supplied from the voice data integrator 105 is supplied tothe judgment system 106 in which it will be compared with apredetermined threshold Ath set by a threshold setting system 107 tojudge whether the section is silent.

For setting the predetermined threshold Ath in the threshold settingsystem 107, the predetermined threshold Ath may be set as a fixed oneAth0. Otherwise, it may be set as a variable one Athm corresponding tothe mean level of the predetermined voice section in addition to thefixed threshold Ath0.

With a section to be processed being taken as n and the mean level Pavof preceding sections (n-k) being taken as Pav(n-k), the variablethreshold Athm may be as given by the following formula (33):$\begin{matrix}{{Athm} = {\sum\limits_{k = 1}^{t}\quad{{{{Pav}\left( {n - k} \right)}/m}\quad\left( {t \leq m} \right)}}} & (33)\end{matrix}$

For example, on the assumption t=2,Athm=(Pav(n−1)+Pav(n−2))/m  (34)

For example, m is set as a value within a range of about 2 to 20.

Other Voice Feature Extraction

The predetermined voice data stored in the data buffer 104 is suppliedto a frequency analyzer 108 in which it will be subjected to apredetermined frequency analysis.

The frequency analysis may use FFT (fast Fourier Transform). The numberof data sampled from the data buffer 104 for the predetermined analysisis a predetermined power of two (2), for example, 512, 1024, 2048 or thelike.

The signal (data) from the frequency analyzer 108 is supplied to thejudgment system 109 in which it will be judged in a predeterminedmanner.

A music (musical sound) may be judged based on the continuity of thespectrum peak of a predetermined frequency band.

The above techniques are disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid Open No.2002-116784 etc. for example.

For judgment of a speaker's conversation voice, the data or signal canbe processed by detecting a predetermined steep rising or fallingsection at a breath section in a waveform of the speaker's conversionvoice.

In this case, the appearance probability of the waveform rising orfalling section in the music (musical sound) waveform is generallyconsidered to be lower than in the speaker's voice. So, with thecharacteristic (feature) of the music (musical sound) waveform beingalso taken in account, the attribute of a voice signal is judged in acomprehensive manner.

For judgment of the attribute of a voice signal on the basis of thedifference in waveform characteristic (feature) between the speaker'svoice signal and music (musical sound) signal, the temporal physicalcharacteristic of the waveform will be detected. So, the above-mentionedfrequency analysis may be effected before a method of making apredetermined judgment in the baseband (analysis and judgment of asignal in a time domain) is used in addition to a method of making apredetermined signal processing by judgment (analysis and judgment of asignal in a frequency domain).

FIG. 22 is a block circuit diagram of another example of the structureof the voice feature extraction system for analysis of a voice signal(voice data) not decoded but still in a compressed band.

In the voice feature extraction system shown in FIG. 22, a data streamsubjected to a predetermined band compression, for example, image/voicedata based on MPEG, is supplied to the stream separator 100 in which thedata will be separated into image and voice data, the voice data issupplied to a stream data analyzer 110 in which it will be analyzed asto a predetermined sampling frequency, quantifying bit number, etc., andpredetermined voice data is supplied to a subband analyzer 111.

In the subband analyzer 111, a predetermined subband analysis iseffected, and data in a predetermined subband is processed in thesimilar manner to that having been explained above with reference to theformulae (32) to (34).

That is, predetermined integration operations including the supply ofthe data to the voice data integrator 105 through the detection of apredetermined number of sampling data in the data counter 103 areeffected, and then the data is subjected to a predetermined silencejudgment in the judgment system 106 on the basis of a predeterminedthreshold set in the threshold setting system 107.

With consideration given to the spectrum of the voice data in thesilence judgment, a predetermined data band of less than about 3 kHz ina band where much energy concentrates may be used as a subband.

The judgment, by the frequency analysis, of a musical sound (music) andjudgment of a speaker's voice have been explained above. Since theoperation of the subband analyzer 111 is equal to the operations in thesignal processing system, the signal processing for the attributejudgment can be covered by the aforementioned judgment of the continuityof spectrum peak.

In this case, the spectrum peak is within the widest data band of eachpredetermined subband. So, the similar signal processing to than in theFFT analysis may be made.

3.2 Image Feature Extraction

Next, the operations for feature extraction of an image will beexplained.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the image feature extraction system, the imagedata separated in the predetermined manner in the stream separator issupplied to a stream data analyzer 200 in which it will be subjected topredetermined analysis including a rate detection, detection of numberof pixels and the like. Then, the output from the stream data analyzer200 is supplied to a DCT coefficient processing system 201 in which itwill be subjected to predetermined calculation processing (inverse DCTcalculation processing) including detection of DC and AC coefficients ofDCT, etc. Based on an output from the DCT coefficient processing system201, operations are made in a scene change detector 202, color featuredetector 203, similar-image detector 204, person detector 205 and telopdetection/judgment system 206, respectively. The output from the streamdata analyzer 200 is also supplied to a motion vector processor 208 inwhich it will be subjected to a predetermined motion vector detection.

3.2.1 Scene Change Feature

The scene change feature detector 202 divides a screen intopredetermined sub areas, calculates mean values of Y (brightness data),Cb and Cr (color difference) of DC coefficient data of DCT in each subarea to determine inter-frame difference or inter-field difference foreach sub area, and compares the difference with a predeterminedthreshold to detect a predetermined scene change.

In case no scene change is detected, the inter-frame (or inter-field)difference data of each sub area is smaller than the threshold. When ascene change is detected, there will be detected a larger differencedata.

Note that in the above screen division, a valid screen is divided into16 sub areas, for example, as shown in FIG. 24.

The screen division is not limited to that shown in FIG. 24. The numberof sub areas may be increased or decreased. However, since it isconsidered that if the number of sub areas is too small, the precisionof the scene change detection will possibly be low, while if the numberof sub areas is large, the precision will possibly be too high, thenumber of sub areas is set as an appropriate value within a range ofabout 256 (16×16).

3.2.2 Color Feature

The color feature detector 203 can detect a color feature based on themean values of Y (brightness data), Cb and Cr (color difference) of DCcoefficient data of DCT.

Predetermined areas may be, for example, ones shown in FIG. 25. In FIG.25, the valid screen is divided by four horizontally into detectionareas 1 to 4, and also by four vertically into detection areas 5 to 8.Each of the detection areas is assigned an area ID, and data on eachdetection area is identified with the area ID.

Note that only the horizontal detection areas 1 to 4 or verticallydetection areas 5 to 8 are provided as the case may be.

Beside the screen division as shown in FIG. 25, the screen may bedivided in a check form such as 5 by 5, 6 by 6 or the like.

For example, in the case of a broadcast program of a program genre“sumo-wrestling”, if a color “brown” can be detected from the detectionarea 3 in FIG. 25, it is highly probable that the scene is of a “sumoring”.

A combination of this color feature with a voice attribute feature, forexample, a combination of “sumo-ring scene” and “voice attribute or theother (or speaker's voice)”, will provide a high probability of a “sceneof a starting match”. Namely, such a scene section may be set as a keyframe section.

In this case, since the voice level of the starting-match scene will beraised due to the audience's cheer and data having a frequency in a banddifferent from an ordinary band will be detected, the voice level andpredetermined frequency band data may be regarded as feature data.

3.2.3 Similar-Scene (Similar-Image) Feature

In the similar-image detector 204, a predetermined ID (ID number or IDsymbol) is assigned to each similar scene (similar image). Similarimages (scenes) are assigned the same ID. This technique is disclosed inthe Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 2002-344872, for example.

This ID assignment is such that an ID is recorded in a memory in aone-to-one correspondence to an image (scene) or positional information(frame number, PTS, recording time or the like) of the image (scene).When an image is displayed or playback is started at the image, variouspredetermined operations using the ID, such as sorting of similar imagesby displaying images having the same ID, skip playback of points in timeof images having the same ID, etc. can be done because the positionalinformation on the image (scene) is in one-to-one correspondence to eachother and also the positional information themselves are of course in aone-to-one correspondence to each other.

The feature data may be a detected order of appearance, such as thehighest, second highest or such frequency of appearance as having beenexplained above concerning the scene ID.

Also, the feature data may be a ratio between detected ID lengths, suchas a ratio of an order of appearance such as the highest, second highestor such frequency of appearance with a PU section length, as shown inFIG. 7.

The feature detection is such that, for example, a screen is dividedinto a plurality of sub areas (25 sub areas, for example), a mean DCcoefficient of DCT of areas corresponding to the screen sub areas iscalculated, an image (scene) corresponding to a portion of which apredetermined vector distance (with the calculated mean DC coefficientbeing taken as a vector component) is smaller than a predeterminedthreshold is taken as a similar image (scene), and similar images(similar scenes) are assigned the same predetermined ID (scene ID).

For example, “1 (one)” is used as an initial value for ID. When no image(scene) whose predetermined vector distance is smaller than thepredetermined threshold is detected, “1” is added to the largest valueof ID and the result of addition is taken as a new ID which is assignedto that image (scene).

The feature data in the present invention may be used for calculation ofthe appearance frequency of ID in a predetermined section as havingpreviously been explained with reference to FIG. 5 in order to detectthe highest and second highest frequency of appearance, for example.

The above may be used for effective processing of data in, for example,a news program in which an announcer appears frequently, and a programbelonging to a genre in which similar scenes appear frequently, such assumo-wrestling, baseball base or the like. That is, when the appearancefrequency of the announcer in a new program is highest or secondhighest, a scene in which the announcer appears frequently will highlybe detectable.

FIG. 26 outlines how to calculate the appearance frequency of an ID. Thesame ID, that is, ID1, is detected in four sections between f1 and f2,f3 and f4, f5 and f6, and between f7 and f8, for example. Namely,similar images appear in these sections.

As shown in FIG. 26, sections in which the same IDs successively appearsare counted as one section, and it is calculated how many such sectionsare included in a scene.

When no more similar scenes are found, no same ID will be detected anymore. So, a predetermined frequency of appearance may be calculated bycalculating the continuity and discontinuity of an ID.

3.2.4 Person's Feature

In the person detector 205, a screen area is divided as shown in FIG. 27to detect a specific color in each area in order to judge whether aperson appears in the screen.

In the example shown in FIG. 27, the valid screen is divided by fourinto sub areas 1 to 4, and a fifth sub area 5 is provided around thecenter of the screen.

For example, in the case of a news program, it is considered that anannouncer's face will appear in the sub area 5 with a high probability.

Also, in case a flip or telop and announcer appear in the screen, theannouncer's face will appear in the sub area 1 or 2 in some cases. Insuch a case, it is considered that the flip or telop will appear in thearea 2 or 1.

In case the flesh color of a white is taken as a specific color, it isalready known from the experiments that the specific color can bedetected with the use of the following conditional expression:0.6<Cb/Cr<0.9 to 0.97  (35)(0≦Cb≦255, 0≦Cr≦255)  (36)

As will be explained below, a specific color in the sub areas shown inFIG. 27 may be detected in another method.

It is assumed herein for the simplicity of explanation that the screensize is 720×480.

Process 1:

In the DC component of the DCT coefficients Cb and Cr included in theconditions for detecting a specific color (Cb, Cr) (conditions fordetecting the flesh color of a white), there are included 16×16 macroblocks of which 720/16 (=45) pieces (0 to 44) are laid along thex-direction and 480/16 (=30) pieces (0 to 29) are laid along they-direction. Data points are detected at each of the x-directional macroblocks 0 to 45 while macro blocks are detected at each of they-directional macro blocks 0 to 29 under the judgment conditions as inthe item 3.2.3:0.6<Cb/Cr<0.9 to 0.97  (37)where (0≦Cb≦255, 0≦Cr≦255). In some cases, the data points arecompressed to a half in each of the x- and y-directions to havex-directional macro blocks 0 to 22 and y-directional macro blocks 0 to14.

Note that the data points may be shifted 8 bits (128 times) and thejudging conditions as given by the following expression (38) may beused:77<(Cb<<8/Cr<115 to 124  (38)

Process 2:

Under the judging conditions given by the above expressions (37) and(38) defining the conditions (for detection profiles of a person, faceor the like) for detecting a profile based on the AC coefficient of abrightness signal, data larger in value than the predetermined thresholdAth is detected in each of the x- and y-directions.xh(x)>Ath  (39)nH(y)>Th  (40)

In some cases, a covariance analysis is made of the detected data.

At the detection points indicated with small black points, the followingwill be achieved as shown in FIG. 28, for example: $\begin{matrix}{{{xh}(0)} = 0} & {{{yh}(0)} = 0} \\{{{xh}(1)} = 2} & {{{yh}(1)} = 0} \\{{{xh}(2)} = 2} & {{{yh}(2)} = 3} \\\ldots & \ldots \\\ldots & \ldots \\\ldots & \ldots\end{matrix}$

Process 3:

At detected data points xh(x) and yh(y) as given by the followingexpressions and larger than the predetermined thresholds Hth:xh(x)>Hth  (41)yh(y)>Th  (42)the continuous length of data larger than a predetermined threshold Lthas given by the following expressions (43) and (44) is detected in eachof the x- and y-directions with consideration being given to theconditions for the validity in size of an object to be detected:x1(n)>Lth  (43)y1(m)>Th  (44)

In the case shown in FIG. 28, for example, the continuous length of aportion in which the detection points as given below on the assumptionthat Hth=2:xh(x)>2yh(y)>2is detected to be:x1(0)=6x1(1)=1y1(0)=7y1(1)=2On the assumption that Lth=3, the data x1(0) and y1(0) will be detected.

Process 4:

The conditions for detecting the validity of the shape of a person'sface will be explained. For each of the detected data points x1(n) andy1(m), data having a difference or ratio within a range of 0 to Dth orof eth1 to eth2 between the data points is detected based on thefollowing expression (45):|x1(n)−y1(m)|<Dth  (45)oreth1<x1(n)/y1(m)<eth2  (46)In the example shown in FIG. 28, the data at the data points x1(0) andy1(0) are calculated.

On the assumption that a person's face is approximate to a square withconsideration given to the general persons' faces, the aspect ration iscalculated.

For example, on the assumption that the following expression (47):0.8<x1(n)/y1(m)<1.5  (47)is detection condition, for example, the following will be achieved:y1(0)/x1(0)=1.2  (48)

Thus, the object in the area of x1(0) and y1(0) in FIG. 28 can bedetermined with a high probability to be a person's face.

Note that a bit shift processing may be used for extraction of aperson's feature as in the item 3.2.4.

In addition to the detecting conditions as in the processes (1) to (4),the following process (5) can be effected to detect the continuity ofdetected data.

Process 5:

Conditions for judgment of the temporal continuity of the detected shapeare given as follows:

Continuity Judging Method 5.1:

In some cases, the temporal continuity (stability of detection) as inthe aforementioned processes 1 to 4 is judged.

On the assumption that the value S(N) of a picture N, detected based onthe expression (48) is as given below:S(N)=y1(0)/x1(0)  (49)S(N+1), S(N+2), . . . are detected to judge the temporal continuity ofthe detected face.

It is determined that the following three pictures, for example, havebeen detected to be continuous:0.8<S(N)<1.5  (50)0.8<S(N+1)<1.5  (51)0.8<S(N+2)<1.5  (52)

Each of the pictures to be detected may be I picture.

Continuity Judging Method 5.2:

Alternatively, any one or some of the detected values as in theprocesses 1 to 3 may be judged to see whether data detected from thepicture N can continuously be detected as N+1, N+2 and N+3.

On the assumption that, for example, the value detected from the frame Nis as follows:Col(N)=(Cb<<8)/Cr  (53)it is judged whether three pictures have continuously been detected asfollows, and when the judgment is affirmative, the operation is shiftedto a next step of detection:77<Col(N)<115  (54)77<Col(N+1)<115  (55)77<Col(N+2)<115  (56)

Also, the data on the detected N to (N+2) pictures may be averaged andthe mean value be judged conditionally.

That is, on the assumption that the mean value of the three detectedpicture data is AvCol, the judgment may be done based on the following:AvCol=(Col(N)+Col(N+1)+Col(N+2)/3  (57)77<avocet<115  (58)

Continuity Judging Method 5.3:

With the data being calculated based on the expressions (39) and (40) todetect a data point xh(N(x), yh(N)(y) from the picture N, it can bejudged whether the pictures such as N+1, N+2, . . . are continuous. Itis judged whether the three I pictures have continuously been detectedas follows, and when the judgment is affirmative, the operation shiftsto a next step of detection.xh(N)(x)>Ath  (59)xh(N+1)(x)>Ath  (60)xh(N+2)(x)>Ath  (61)yh(N)(y)>Ath  (62)yh(N+1)(y)>Ath  (63)yh(N+2)(y)>Ath  (64)

Also, detected data in the pictures N to (N+2) may be averaged, andjudgment be effected conditionally.

Namely, with the mean value of the three detected picture data beingtaken as Avxh and Avyh, the judgment may be done of whether thefollowing are achieved:Avxh=(xh(N)(x)+xh(N+1)(x)+xh(N+2)(x))/3  (65)Avyh=(yh(N)(y)+yh(N+1)(y)+yh(N+2)(y))/3  (66)Avxh>Ath  (67)Avyh>Ath  (68)

Continuity Judging Method 5.4:

With the data being calculated based on the expressions (43) and (44) todetect a data point x1(N(x), y1(N)(y) from the picture N, it can bejudged whether the pictures such as N+1, N+2, . . . are continuous. Itis judged whether the three I pictures have continuously been detectedas follows, and when the judgment is affirmative, the operation shiftsto a next step of detection.x1(N)(x)>Lth  (69)x1(N+1)(x)>Lth  (70)x1(N+2)(x)>Lth  (71)y1(N)(y)>Lth  (72)y1(N+1)(y)>Lth  (73)y1(N+2)(y)>Lth  (74)

Also, detected data in the pictures N to (N+2) may be averaged, andjudgment be effected conditionally.

Namely, with the mean value of the three detected picture data beingtaken as Avx1 and Avy1, the judgment may be done of whether thefollowing are achieved:Avx1=(x1(N)(x)+x1(N+1)(x)+x1(N+2)(x))/3  (75)Amy1=(E1(N)(y)+E1(N+1)(y)+E1(N+2)(y))/3  (76)Avx1>Lth  (77)Avy1>Lth  (78)

Outline of Basic Method of Detecting the Number of Persons

It is judged as follows whether the number of persons has been detected.

No.-of-persons judging method 1B:

As in FIG. 29, it is assumed that, for example, two x-directional datax1(0) and x1(1) larger in value than a threshold have been detectedwhile one y-directional data y1(0) larger in value than the thresholdhas been detected.

There will be explained data densities in an area 1 identified withx1(0) and y1(0) and area 2 identified with x1(1) and y1(0).

The number of all data points S1 in the area 1 is given as follows:S1=x1(0)×y1(0)=20  (79)

The number of data larger in value than the threshold is as given below:Σxh(x)=17  (80)

The data density Δ1, that is, number of data per unit data point isgiven as follows:Δ1=0.85  (81)

In case data all larger in value than the threshold have been detectedin the area 1, the date density will be Δ1=1. Therefore, a predeterminedthreshold Mth is set to judge the following:Δ1>Mth  (82)

Similarly, the number of all data points S2 in the area 2 is given asfollows:S2=x1(0)×y1(0)=25  (83)

The number of data larger in value than the threshold is as given below:Σxh(x)=21  (84)

The data density Δ2 is given as follows:Δ2=0.84  (85)

On the assumption that the Mth is:Mth=0.80  (86)

The areas 1 and 2 meet the requirements as proved by the expressions(81) and (85), which leads to determination that it is highly probablethat the person has been detected.

The number of all data points laid along the x-direction in an area Stidentified with x1(0)+x1(1) and y0(0) is given as follows:(x1(0)+x1(1))×y1(0)  (87)The number of detected data is given as follows:Σxh(x)=17+21=38  (88)The data density Δ is given as follows:Δ=8.4  (89)

Since the data density in an area St is given as follows:Δ>Mth  (90)it is determined that a person is detected in the same y-directionalpositions in the areas 1 and 2.

Other example of detection 1 (in case areas overlap each other):

In the example shown in FIG. 30, one data x1(0) is detected in thex-direction and one data y1(0) is detected in the y-direction.

The number of all data points Sr in an area R identified with x1(0) andy1(0) is given as follows:Sr=x1(0)×h1(0)=90  (91)The number of detected data is given as follows:Σxh(x)=44  (92)The data density Δr is given as follows:Δr=0.49  (93)

Since Δ<Mth, it cannot be determined that one person is detected in thearea R.

The reciprocal of the data density is given as follows:1/Δr=2.0So, it is possible that two objects exist. However, it should be notedthat the data density is also the same even when data exist sparsely asshown in FIG. 31.

The variance σ in the y-direction will be explained below with referenceto FIG. 30.

On the assumption that the mean value of yh(y) is yhav and number ofdata is m, the following will be achieved:m=y1(0)  (94)σy=(Σ(yh(y)−yhav)ˆ2)/m=2.32  (95)In the y-direction, with the mean value being xhav and number n of databeing as follows:n=x1(0)  (96)the following will be achieved:σx=(Σ(xh(x)−xhav)ˆ2)/n=1.04  (97)

Similarly, the x- and y-directional variances in FIG. 37 are given asfollows:σy=0.99  (98)σx=0.64  (99)

From the above results, it will be known that the variance of data inFIG. 36 is larger.

On this account, a predetermined threshold Bth for the variance andthresholds d1 and d2 corresponding to numbers of detected data are setfor judgment of the following conditions to detect the number of data.σy>Bth  (100)σx>Bth  (101)d1<1/Δ<d2  (102)

In the example shown in FIG. 36, for example, the judgment may beeffected with the thresholds being set as follows:Bth=2.0  (103)d1=1.8  (104)d2=2.3  (105)

-   -   Other example of detection 2 (in case areas are diagonally        separate from each other):

In the example shown in FIG. 32, two data x1(0) and x1(1) are detectedin the x-direction and two data y1(0) and y1(1) are detected in they-directions.

The number of all data points S00 in an area R00 identified with x1(0)and y1(0) is given as follows:S00=x1(0)×h1(0)=20  (106)The number of detected data is given as follows:Σxh(x)=17  (107)The data density Δr is given as follows:Δ00=0.85  (108)

Since Mth is 0.80 as in the item 3.2.5,Δ00>Mth  (109)and it is determined that one person is detected in the area R00 with ahigh probability.

Next, the number of all data points Sa in an area Ra identified withx1(0) and (y1(0)+y1(1)) is given as follows:Sa=x1(0)×(y1(0)+y1(1))=40  (110)The number of all detected data is given based on the expression (107)as follows:Σxh(x)=17  (111)The data density Δa is given as follows:Δa=17/40=0.43  (112)However, the data density does not meet the threshold.

That is, since x1(0) and (y1(0)+y1(1)) are now in consideration, if itis assumed that Δa is larger than a predetermined threshold, it isdetermined that two persons are detected with a high probability.

However, as seen from the expression (112), Δa is smaller than thepredetermined threshold, so that it is not possible to determine thattwo persons are detectable in the area identified with x1(0) and(y1(0)+y1(1)). As seen from the expression (109), it is possible todetermine that one person is detectable.

That is, it is determined that a person is detectable with a lowprobability in the area identified with x1(0) and y1(1).

Similarly, the number of all data in an area Rb identified with x1(1)and (y1(0)+y1(1)) is given as follow:Σxh(x)=17  (113)The number of all data points Sb is given as follows:Sb=x1(1)(y1(0)+y1(1))=40  (114)The data density Ab is given as follows:Δb=17/40=0.43  (115)

As the expression (115) shows, two persons are detectable in the area R6with a low probability.

The data density Δ10 in the area identified x1(1) and y1(0) is given asfollows:Δ10=17/20=0.85  (116)because the number of detected data is given by Σxh(x)=17 and number ofall data points is given by x1(1)×y1(0)=20. Similarly, the data densityΔ11 in the area identified with x1(1) and y1(1) is given as follows:Δ11=0.85  (117)

As the expressions (115) to (117) show, the probability that a person isdetectable any of the areas 10 and 11 is low.

Next, the data density in an area Rc identified with (x1(0)+x1(1)) andy1(0) will be discussed. Since the number of detected data is given byΣvh(y)=17 and the number of all data points is given by(x1(0)+x1(1)×y1(0)=40, the data density Δc is given as follows:Δc=17/40=0.43  (118)

Since the data density is smaller than the above predetermined thresholdMth, two persons are detectable with a low probability in the area Rc.As the expressions (109) and (115) to (117) show, persons willconsequently be detected in the area identified with x1(0) and y1(0) andarea identified with x1(1) and y1(1).

The number of persons can be detected with the aforementionedoperations.

Other method for detection of person (method 2):

Beside the above methods, the x-directional macro blocks 0 to 44 andy-directional macro blocks 0 to 29 are sequentially judged to seewhether they meet the predetermined threshold for detection of a person.

A series of data series taken as d(x)(y) is sequentially judged to findones which meet the conditions given by the aforementioned expressions(37), (41) and (42). If data meeting the following conditions, forexample, are continuously detected in the x- and y-directions, both thesize and position of a detected object will be known simultaneously:d(x1)(y1), d(x2)(y1)d(x1)(y2), d(x2)(y2)

In the above method, all data is detected one by one for judging thecontinuity of the series of data. So, this method (2) needs a longertime for calculation time than the aforementioned method (1).

For effecting this method, data is compressed to a half of the datasize, for example, in the x- and y-directions to reduce the number ofoperations for data processing.

Other method for detection of person (method 3)

As in the method 2 above, a person is approximated to a square, a personcan be detected through judgment of whether data in the square areabeing varied in size sequentially meets the given conditions.

For example, square areas of 2×2, 3×3 and 4×4 in size are set as shownin FIG. 33.

Each of the square areas different in size from each other is shifteddata by data and it is judged whether the data in the area meets thegiven conditions. This is made first with the smallest square area, thensimilarly with a second smallest square area and finally with thelargest square area.

When the above data shift and judgment are over with all the squareareas, the detected areas and number of detected areas will be known.This operation will take a similar time to that taken by theaforementioned method 2.

3.2.5 Telop Feature

The telop feature detection/judgment system 206 detects a mean value ofAC coefficients of DCT in the screen area as shown in FIG. 25.

In a screen in a predetermined area, the profile of a telop includinginformation such as characters having a predetermined size is relativelyclear. When a telop image appears in any area shown in FIG. 25, it ispossible to detect an AC coefficient larger in value than thepredetermined threshold, whereby it is possible to detect the telop.

In addition to the above detection of AC coefficient of DCT, edgedetection may be made in the baseband domain (signal of a time domain)to detect an edge on the basis of an inter-frame difference inbrightness of an image, for example.

Also, wavelet transformation is made to analyze the multi-resolution,and data in a predetermined multi-resolution area includingpredetermined high-frequency data is used to calculate a mean value ofan area as shown in FIG. 25 for similar signal processing to that forthe AC coefficient of DCT.

The telop is character information appearing in a hypochromic area likea flip as well as below an image in a news program, for example. Thearea where a telop appears depends upon the genre of a broadcast programbut a telop possibly appears frequently in a lower portion, upperportion, right-side portion or left-side portion of a screen.

The flip feature and flop feature may be included together in acharacter-feature category.

3.2.6 Camera Feature

The camera feature judgment system 209 can judge features concerning theoperations of a camera such as zooming, panning and other, for example,with the use of a motion vector of a P picture defined in MPEG asdisclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 2003-298981.

Beside this technique, a technique concerning the camera features isdisclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 2002-535894, for example.

4. Operations with Playback Unit (or Play Unit)

The summary (digest) playback is such that various feature data such asvoice feature data image feature data obtained through the predeterminedsignal processing are used to select some important (key) frame sectionsin as predetermined section and the sections are sequentiallyskip-played back.

In case skip playback is effected, it is possible that a skip will notcause any discomfort in viewing the screen but will cause some users tofeel unpleasant in hearing the voice if the voice is discontinuous. Onthis account, a section in which the sound level is lower than apredetermined level (volume) is set as a silent section and apredetermined point in time in that section is taken as a point in timeto skip.

Also, since a scene change is regarded as a point in time at which atopic in a broadcast program, movie or the like being played back isbroken, a scene change point or a point near the scene change point maybe taken as a candidate skip point.

That is, the skip playback point in time and skip playback section maybe considered in correspondence to a predetermined silent section of apredetermined voice signal and scene change point in time ofpredetermined image signal or a point near the scene change point.

From the above point of view, a skip playback point in time (skipplayback section) is processed herein with a predetermined playback unit(PU) being set for the convenience of explanation.

Predetermined image and voice feature data in a playback unit (PU) thusset are subjected to a predetermined processing to set a predeterminedsummary (digest) playback section correspondingly to the voice featuredata and summary playback time and the predetermined summary playback iseffected by making skip playback in a predetermined summary playbackmode.

Also, it is possible to make the above-mentioned summary playback aswell as to set a chapter (or edition point or playback break point) at afirst point in time (or a point near the first point) or last point intime (or a point near the last point) of PU set through predeterminedsignal processing.

That is, by setting a chapter as above, it is possible to display athumbnail display through a predetermined signal processing of thechapter point and for the user to make an edition in viewing thethumbnail display.

Next, there will be explained an example of the playback unit (PU)processing with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35.

-   -   In the case of a sounding section (voice signal higher in level        than predetermined):

In a process 1 shown in FIG. 34A, in case a voice section has a levelhigher than a predetermined one and lasts in a range of 10 to 20 sec,not any scene change point but a break point whose voice segment lastsfor 15 sec (predetermined silence-detection point) is taken as a breakpoint of the playback unit.

In a process 2 in FIG. 34B, in case a voice section lasts for more than20 sec while a scene change section lasts for less than 20 sec, a scenechange point detection point where the break point of the scene changelasts for a time most approximate to 15 sec is taken as a break point ofthe playback unit.

In a process 3 shown in FIG. 34C, in case a voice lasts for more than 20sec while a scene change section lasts for more than 20 sec, not anyvoice segment and scene change point but a point in time when theplayback unit has last for 20 sec is taken as a break point of theplayback unit.

In a process 4 shown in FIG. 34D, in case the attribute of a voicefeature changes within a range of 10 to 20 sec, the point in time whenthe attribute has changed is taken as a break point of the playbackunit.

In a process 5 shown in FIG. 34E, in case CM (commercial) has beendetected, the point in time when the CM has been detected is taken as abreak point of the playback unit.

Here will be explained the method for CM detection with reference toFIG. 35.

Generally, the section length of CM in a broadcast program is apredetermined one (generally, 15, 30 or 60 sec), and a scene is changedat a break point of the CM (at start and end point in time). So, bydetecting the predetermined length of time and scene change, it ispossible to detect the CM as shown in FIG. 36.

In the case of a silent section (voice signal lower in level thanpredetermined):

In a process 6 shown in FIG. 35A, in case a silent section (whose meanvoice level is lower than predetermined) is shorter than 20 sec andscene change detection section is shorter in length than 20 sec, a scenechange point most approximate to 16 sec is taken as a break point of theplayback unit.

In a process 7 shown in FIG. 35B, in case a silent section lasts formore than 20 sec and scene change detection section lasts for more than20 sec, not any scene change detection point but a point of 20 sec froma start point of the playback unit is taken as a break point of theplayback unit.

In the above explanation of any playback unit processing, the initialvalue of the start point of the playback unit is a start point when theprogram (broadcast program) has been recorded.

With the above playback unit processing, it is possible to play back apredetermined playback unit corresponding to a predetermined voice andimage features (scene change features).

Example of block construction of the playback unit generator

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of examples of the playback unit processorhaving previously been explained and unitized feature data processor inwhich the feature data are supplied to the playback unit and which willbe explained in detail later.

Since the predetermined points in time such as the summary playbackpoint and chapter point are set at the start and end points of aplayback unit, the setting is done with feature data being put incorrespondence to each playback unit as having been explained above.

That is, predetermined feature data, voice feature data and imagefeature data extracted from each predetermined section are processedbased on the playback unit section.

The example of block construction of the unitized feature data processorshown in FIG. 37 will be explained below.

In the example of block construction shown in FIG. 37, silence judgmentdata is supplied to a time measurement system 301 in which apredetermined interval (length of time) based on the aforementionedplayback unit processing is measured. The result of processing issupplied from the system 301 to a playback unit processor 302.

The playback unit processor 302 is also supplied with scene changejudgment data and CM detection/judgment data to make the signalprocessing having been explained concerning the method for playback unitprocessing in order to generate a predetermined playback unit.

A CM detector 304 is supplied with silence feature detection data andscene change feature data as well as channel information used forjudging whether a program channel currently selected is a channel onwhich a CM is being broadcast, and the CM is detected by thepredetermined signal processing method having been explained above withreference to FIG. 36.

A playback unit feature data processor 303 is supplied with voicefeature data such as voice attribute information, silence information,etc. and feature data such as scene change feature, color feature,similar-image feature, person's feature, telop feature, etc. to filleach feature data into a playback unit as will be explained later.

5. PU Feature Data Processing

Next, the PU feature data file processing will be explained.

The PU feature data file contains voice and image feature data.

The feature data is resulted from filling of the extracted voice andimage feature data into the playback unit. For each of the playbackunits, various feature data (data file) are recorded into apredetermined recording medium.

For recording the feature data into each playback unit, each featuredata detected for each predetermined section is recorded into apredetermined recording medium and then feature data corresponding to apredetermined section of the playback unit is processed.

Feature data indicative of voice and image characteristics can beobtained by extracting predetermined feature data (characteristicsignal) from voice signal (voice data) and image signal (image data) andprocessing the extracted signals (data) in a predetermined manner.However, it should be noted here that also the signal (data) indicativeof a feature obtained by making predetermined processing ofcharacteristic data (characteristic signal) will be described as featuredata (feature signal) except in case a special caution is to be given.

In the case of image (video) signals, brightness signal (Y signal) of anI picture, DC coefficient of DCT of color signal (color differencesignal) (Cb and Cr signals), motion vector data in B or P picture and ACcoefficient of DCT are extracted as characteristic data from a MPEGstream. Scene change feature (scn), camera operation feature (cam),similar-image feature (sid), color feature (col), person's feature(person), etc. are extracted from the on-screen position information,predetermined threshold and correlated values, etc.

In the case of voice signals, a mean level of the voice signals iscalculated at intervals of about 20 ms for processing the characteristicdata, and voice features (seg features) such as attribute (class), meanpower (mean level), etc. of the voice signal in a predetermined sectionare extracted from the calculation data and predetermined threshold.

It is considered herein that the voice attributes are speaker's voice,music (musical sound), cheer in a sports program, etc.

5.1 Feature Data File Structure

FIG. 38 shows a first example of the structure of a feature data file inwhich the aforementioned voice feature data and image feature data suchas scene change feature (scn), camera feature (cam), similar-scenefeature (sid), telop feature (tip), color feature (col), person'sfeature (person), etc. form separate feature data files, respectively.

Each feature data file is written as text-form data or binary-form data.

Note that it is possible that these feature data is provisionally storedas file data to be recorded into a predetermined recording medium or asnormal data in a predetermined recording medium (such as a semiconductormemory) and read later for use to generate summary list data andpredetermined setting point in time (chapter point), which will beexplained later. This is also true for data files shown in FIGS. 39 and40.

FIG. 39 shows a second example of the structure of the feature data filein which all the aforementioned voice feature data are arranged as onetext- or binary-form file and all the aforementioned image feature dataare arranged as one text- or binary-form file.

FIG. 40 shows a third example of the structure of the feature data filein which all the aforementioned voice feature data and all theaforementioned image feature data are arranged as one text- orbinary-form file.

By arranging the plurality of feature data in one file as in the secondand third examples, the data can be handled more easily than the firstexample as shown in FIG. 38. Further, the binary-form file is smaller indata size (file size or file capacity) and more efficient.

Here will be explained writing of feature data in the binary-formfeature data file as in the third example shown in FIG. 40.

The third example shown in FIG. 40 is a version, of the second exampleshown in FIG. 39, in which all the voice feature data described in thebinary form and all the image feature data described in the binary formare added together.

Thus, the method of processing (describing) the voice feature data inthe feature data file as in the following explanation is applicable tothe voice feature data shown in FIG. 39, and the method of processing(describing) the image feature data is applicable to the image featuredata in the second example shown in FIG. 39.

5.2 Hierarchical Structure of Feature Data

FIG. 41 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the featuredata in units of a playback unit.

Feature data is processed in a predetermined manner and in units of apredetermined playback unit as will be explained below.

The feature data include feature data header information, program-1feature data, program-2 feature data, etc. as shown in FIG. 41.

The feature data header information includes predetermined data such asa total recording time, recording start and end points in time, numberof programs (broadcast programs) and other information of programs suchas program 1, program 2, etc. as shown in FIG. 42.

Next, feature data in a program (broadcast program) will be explainedbelow taking the program-1 feature data as an example.

As shown in FIG. 41, the program-1 feature data includes program-1information, playback unit-1 information, playback unit-2 information,etc.

As shown in FIG. 42, the program-1 feature data includes predetermineddata such as a program recording time, program start and end points intime, program genre (broadcast program genre), etc.

Next, the data structure of the playback unit will be explained takingthe playback unit-1 information as an example. The playback unit-1information includes voice feature data and image feature data as shownin FIG. 41.

Voice Feature Data Structure

The voice feature data includes serial number information, start/endpoint information, voice attribute information, feature data and otherdata as shown in FIG. 41.

Image Feature Data Structure

The image feature data includes predetermined feature data such as scenechange feature, color feature, similar-image feature, person's feature,telop feature, camera feature, etc. as shown in FIG. 41.

In the following, the scene change feature, color feature, similar-imagefeature, person's feature, telop feature, camera feature, etc. will beexplained. For each of all predetermined sections, each of these featuredata is recorded into a predetermined recording medium. In addition,only when feature data larger in value than the predetermined thresholdis detected, for example, it is subjected to a predetermined processingfor recording into the predetermined recording medium.

In case the predetermined processing is made of only the detectedfeature data larger in value than the predetermined threshold, nopredetermined feature data smaller in value than the predeterminedthreshold will be written into the recording medium. So, in case featuredata larger in value than the threshold is detected and recorded in thepredetermined manner, it is possible to know the order in which featuredata have been detected, counted from the first detected feature data,from the serial number information which will be explained below.

Scene Change Feature:

The scene change features include serial number information, start/endpositional point information, feature data and other data as shown inFIG. 43.

The serial number information indicates the order counted from thebeginning of a broadcast program, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , in whichscene changes have occurred.

The start/end point information indicates a point where a scene changebeing in the above order starts or ends. It may be a frame (field)number, PTS, DTS, time or the like.

Color Feature:

As shown in FIG. 43, the color features include serial numberinformation, data for identification of a detected area, start/end pointinformation, feature data and other data.

The serial number information indicates the order counted from thebeginning of a broadcast program, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , in whichcolor features have been detected.

The start/end point information indicates a start/end point where afeature of each area has been detected in the detection of each featurein the above order. It may be a frame (field) number, PTS, DTS, time,etc.

The feature data include, for example, RGB, Y, Cb, Cr and the like.

Similar-Image Feature:

As shown in FIG. 43, the similar-image features include serial numberinformation, appearance-frequency information start/end pointinformation, feature data and other information.

The serial number information indicates the order counted from thebeginning of a broadcast program, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , in whichsimilar-image features have been detected.

The feature data include, for example, a mean DC coefficient of DCT ineach of a predetermined number of subsections (25 pieces, for example)of the aforementioned valid screen.

Person's Feature:

As shown in FIG. 43, the person's features include serial numberinformation, data for identification of a detected area, start/end pointinformation, feature data and other data.

The serial number information indicates the order counted from thebeginning of a broadcast program, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , in whichsimilar-image features have been detected.

Telop Feature:

As shown in FIG. 43, the telop features include serial numberinformation, data for identification of a detected area, start/end pointinformation, feature data and other data.

The serial number information indicates the order counted from thebeginning of a broadcast program, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , in whichtelop features have been detected.

Camera Feature:

As shown in FIG. 43, the camera features include serial numberinformation, data for identification of a detected area, start/end pointinformation, feature data and other data.

The serial number information indicates the order counted from thebeginning of a broadcast program, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , in whichcamera features have been detected.

For recording a broadcast program, the feature extraction and featuredata recording, which will be explained herebelow, can be madesimultaneously with the predetermined operation to record the broadcastprogram. Also, features may be extracted from an already recordedbroadcast program, other movie, drama or any other image/voice softwarein a predetermined manner to generate a feature data file.

In case PU and feature data are used as above to record the program 1,they may similarly be used to record the other programs 2 and 3.

6. Play List Processing (Summary Playback List Generation)

Next, there will be explained the summary data processing for summary(digest) playback from a PU file (PU feature data file) generated withthe aforementioned feature extraction operation.

6.1 Summary Rule Processing

In the summary (digest) playback operation using the feature datareferred to herein, a desired summary (digest) playback is effected bymaking skip playback of a predetermined playback section in units of theaforementioned PU.

6.2 Predetermined Time Point Setting (Play List File Processing)

Next, the play list file will be explained.

The play list file has described therein in a predetermined data as towhich one is to be selected for playback of PUs or lump of PUs signifiedcorrespondingly to the aforementioned feature data.

Note that the data may provisionally be recorded in a predeterminedrecording medium having already recorded therein image/voice data fromwhich the features have been detected or in a predetermined memorymeans.

Examples of the play list file are shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B.

In an example 1 in FIG. 44A, the vertical series of data (a) includesinformation on the start point of a playback section. The data includespredetermined information such as a frame number, time instant, PTS(presentation time stamp) from a stream (compressed image/voice data) orDTS (decode time stamp).

In an example 1 in FIG. 44A, the vertical series of data (b) includesinformation on the end point of a playback section. The data series (b)includes predetermined information such as a frame number, time instant,PTS (presentation time stamp) from a stream (compressed image/voicedata) or DTS (decode time stamp) correspondingly to the data series (a)in the example 1.

In the example 1 in FIG. 44A, the vertical series of data (c) indicatesan importance of PU (playback or play unit) or playback unit group (PUgroup).

In the example 1, in FIG. 44A, the vertical series of data (d) indicatescharacter data having a meaning defined or set under the summary rule.

In an example 2 in FIG. 44B, there are provided identification data “0”and “1” for indicating a predetermined point in time of a playbacksection, chapter, etc. by describing meaning character and evaluationvalue (importance) of all PU sections.

In the example 2 in FIG. 44B, start and end points shown in columns (a)and (b) are continuous to data in a next line of the column (a) or (b)as will be explained below.

For example, in the example 2 in FIG. 44B, the first start and endpoints are 0 and 229, respectively, and the end point 229 is continuousto a next start point 230.

In the example 2 in FIG. 44B, the vertical series of data (e) indicatesflag data as to whether summary playback is to be done or not. Thenumber “1” indicates that the summary playback is to be done, and “0”indicates that no summary playback is to be done.

Also, the first point in time “1” and first point in time “0” may beregarded as predetermined points in time (chapter points).

7. Flow of Operations

FIG. 45 shows an example of the flow of operations made in therecorder/player (will be referred to simply as “apparatus” hereunder) asan embodiment of the present invention.

First after the apparatus is put into operation, it is judged in step S1whether the operation is in the recorder or playback mode. When theoperation is determined to be the recording mode, the apparatus changesto the recording operation (R). If the operation is determined to be theplayback mode, the apparatus goes to step S2.

7.1 Flow of Playback Operations

Example of Flow of Playback Operations

In the playback mode of operation, it is judged in step S2 whether theplayback operation is in the summary (digest) playback mode or in thenormal playback mode. In case the playback operation is in the normalplayback mode, the apparatus shifts to the normal playback operation(P).

If the playback operation is in the summary playback mode, it is judgedin step S3 whether the predetermined feature data has been recorded inthe predetermined recording medium or whether the predetermined featuredata has been recorded as the predetermined file data in thepredetermined recording area of the recording medium.

In case it is determined in step S3 that the predetermined feature datahas been recorded in the predetermined recording medium, the apparatusgoes to step S4 in which it will be judged whether the predeterminedplay list data (data file) has been recorded in the predeterminedrecording area of the recording medium. In case it is determined in stepS4 that the predetermined play list data (play list file) has beenrecorded in the predetermined recording area of the recording medium,the apparatus goes to step S5 in which the predetermined play list datawill be read.

If it is determined in step S3 that the predetermined data has not beenrecorded in the predetermined recording medium, the apparatus goes tostep S8 in which the apparatus will read intended image/voice data(broadcast program) and makes predetermined feature extraction from theimage/voice data. In step S9, it is judged whether the predeterminedfeature extraction is complete. If it is determined that thepredetermined feature extraction is not over, the apparatus goes back tostep S8 in which it will repeat the due operations until thepredetermined feature extraction is complete.

In case it is determined in step S9 that the predetermined featureextraction is over, the apparatus goes to step S6 in which it willgenerate the predetermined play list data.

If it is determined in step S4 that the predetermined play list data(file) has not been detected, the apparatus goes to step S6 in which theapparatus will read the predetermined feature data recorded in thepredetermined recording area of the predetermined recording medium,generate the predetermined list data (file) and write the generated dataone after another or processed data into a predetermined area of thepredetermined recording medium. Then, the apparatus goes to step S7 inwhich it will be judged whether all the play list generating operationsare complete. If it is determined that all the play list generatingoperations are not over, the apparatus goes back to step S6 in which itwill repeat the due operations. In case it is determined in step S7 thatall the predetermined play list data have been generated, the apparatuswill read the play list data having been written in step S5.

Note that in step S6, the sequentially generated play list data may berecorded one after another into a predetermined recording area of therecording medium in which the image/voice data such as the broadcastprogram has been recorded or information may be written into a recordingmedium other than that having the image/voice data recorded therein,such as a predetermined removable memory.

Also in this case, the predetermined play list data may be generated oneafter another and may be written, or all the play list data may begenerated and processed before recorded.

Also, as explained below with reference to FIGS. 46 and 47, a pluralityof play list data may be generated correspondingly to the recording timefor the user to be able to select a plurality of summary-playbacklengths of time.

Since a predetermined evaluation value is set for each of thepredetermined PU sections or each predetermined section formed from aplurality of PU sections as above, the summary playback time can bemanipulated correspondingly to the evaluation value.

In step S10, the apparatus shifts to the playback time selection mode.In step S11, it is judged whether the user has selected a playback timedirectly or the user has selected the summary playback mode and then aplayback time within a predetermined time tmod from completion of theplay list data detection. In case it is determined that no playback timehas been selected, it is judged in step S12 whether the user hasselected the playback stop.

If it is determined in step S12 that the user has selected the playbackstop, the apparatus exits the playback operation. If it is determinedthat the user has not selected the playback stop, the apparatus goesback to step S10 in which it will repeat the due operations.

In case it is determined in step S11 that the user has directly selecteda playback time or that the user has not selected any playback timewithin the predetermined time tmod, the apparatus goes to step S13 inwhich it will shift to the summary playback operation.

Note that in case the user has selected a playback time, the summaryplayback is started at the selected summary playback time. The summaryplayback will be started at a predetermined default set playback time(intended set playback time) tpbO set when no playback time has beenselected and the predetermined time tmod has elapsed.

Note that the user may freely select a summary playback time or asummary playback time may be selected from playback lengths of timepreset on the basis of the recorded program recording time and play listdata.

In case the playback lengths of time are, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30min or the like, the default supply playback time may be setcorrespondingly to a recording time, for example, as shown in FIG. 46.

In the example shown in FIG. 46, the summary playback mode can be setonly when the summary playback time is longer than a predeterminedrecording time (Trecmin). In case the recording time Trec as thepredetermined recording time Trecmin is less than 10 min, no summaryplayback mode is set but only the normal playback mode is set becausethe recording time is too short.

In case the recording time Trec is 60 min, for example, theuser-selectable summary playback lengths of time will be 10, 15, 30 and40 min and the default set time be 30 min as shown in FIG. 46.

As shown in the example shown in FIG. 46, the longer the recording timeTrec, the larger the number of user-selectable summary playback lengthsof time is. However, in case the recording time is short, the more thenumber of all sections to be skipped in the summary playback using theskip playback, the more the information be missing so that the contentplayed back will not possibly be understandable. So, the number ofselections is reduced for selection of an appropriate summary playbacktime. In case the recording time is longer than the summary playbacktime, the amount of information is large. In this case, the number ofselections is increased for the user to be able to make an effectiveoperation.

Information such as a list of such user-selectable summary playbacklengths of time, default playback time, etc. may be displayed on apredetermined display accessory to the embodiment of the presentinvention, predetermined display connected to the apparatus orpredetermined display screen such as a liquid crystal display on aremote controller accessory to the apparatus.

Note that the chapter setting may be done simultaneously with the playlist generation. In this case, the predetermined chapter setting is madeautomatically correspondingly to the number of chapters, settablecorrespondingly to a recording time, as shown in FIG. 47.

For example, in case the recording time is one hour, a predeterminedsignal processing will be done for setting 5 to 40 chapters as shown inFIG. 47.

In step S13, the summary playback is made. Since an evaluation value isset for a predetermined PU section or for each section formed from aplurality of PU sections, skip playback is done based on a set time andevaluation value, to thereby make summary playback.

That is, the PU sections are selected one after another starting with aPU section whose evaluation value is largest, and PU sections whoseevaluation value is smaller than the largest one are sequentiallyselected until the summary playback time is approximate to a selectedone.

In step S14, it is judged whether the playback operation is to be ended.In case it is determined that the operation is to be ended, theapparatus exits the playback operation. If it is determined that theoperation is not to be ended, the apparatus goes to step S15 in which itwill be judged that whether the playback of the predetermined broadcastprogram is over. In case the playback is complete, the apparatus exitsthe playback operation. If the playback is not complete, the apparatusgoes to step S16 in which it will be judged whether the playback time isto be changed.

In case it is determined in step S16 that the playback time is to bechanged, the apparatus goes back to step S10 in which it will repeat thedue operations. If it is determined that the playback time is not to bechanged, the apparatus goes back to step S13 in which will repeat thedue operations for the summary playback.

7.2 Flow of Recording Operations

Example of Flow of Recording Operations

FIG. 48 shows an example of the flow of operations made for recording.

In case the recording mode has been selected in step S1 in the flow ofoperations shown in FIG. 45, it is judged in step R1 in FIG. 48 whetherthe recording operation is in the timed recording mode or normalrecording mode. In case the recording operation is determined to be thenormal recording mode, the apparatus goes to step R9 in which it willmake the normal recording operation.

In the normal recording mode in step R9, the apparatus goes to anoperation for the predetermined recording signal processing. In stepR10, the predetermined feature extraction is made from image/voice datato be encoded in the predetermined manner defined in MPEG or the like oralready encoded image/voice data.

Note that the recording signal processing and feature extractionoperation can be done simultaneously.

The predetermined feature extraction is made from the image/voice datato be subjected to the predetermined encoding with the use ofimage/voice data in process of the predetermined encoding. For example,it is possible to extract DC coefficient data and AC coefficient dataresulted from the DCT signal processing from the system for DCTprocessing of image data. These predetermined data are used to make theaforementioned predetermined feature-extraction signal processing suchas detection of scene change data (detection of cut point feature),detection of telop feature, etc.

In the predetermined subband signal processing in the predeterminedband-compression signal processing, the data in the predeterminedsubband can be used to process the voice data for judgment of the datato be a speaker's voice or music (musical sound).

The musical sound-judgment signal processing may be made by judging thecontinuity of the signal in the predetermined subband, for example.

Also, the image/voice data in the baseband may be used. For example, thebaseband signal of image data may be used to effect scene changedetection by the inter-frame (-field) difference signal processing,telop feature signal processing by the edge detection based on thedifference signal, and other predetermined feature signal processing.

Note that the feature data having been subjected to the voicefeature-extraction signal processing is recorded into a predetermineddata storage (data recording means) such as a predetermined recordingmedium in which the image/voice data is also recorded or a predeterminedbuffer memory.

In step R11, it is judged whether the normal recording mode is to beended. In case it is determined that the normal recording mode is not tobe ended, the apparatus goes back to step R9 in which it will repeat thedue operations. If it is determined that the normal recording mode is tobe ended, the apparatus goes to step R12 in which it will make the playlist data generation (or chapter data generation).

In case it is determined in step R1 that the recording operation is inthe timed recording mode, the apparatus sets recording start and endpoints in time in step R2, goes to step R3 in which it will be judgedwhether the set time points are predetermined ones. In case it isdetermined that the set time points are not the predetermined ones, theapparatus goes to step R6 in which it will wait. In step R7, it isjudged whether the interrupt for canceling the timed recording operationhas been made. In case the timed operation is to be continued, theapparatus goes back to step R3 in which it will repeat the dueoperations.

In case it is determined in step S7 that the timed recording operationhas been canceled, the apparatus goes back to S1 in FIG. 45 in which itwill repeat the initial operation mode selection.

In case it is determined in step R3 that the set time points arepredetermined ones, the apparatus starts the recording operation andrepeat, in steps R4 to R6, the operations as in steps R9 to R11.

The feature data (feature extraction data) having been subjected to theimage/voice-extraction signal processing is recorded into apredetermined data storage (data recording means) such as apredetermined recording medium having also the image/voice data recordedtherein or a predetermined buffer memory. In case it is determined instep R8 that the predetermined end point is reached, the apparatus goesto step R12 in which it will make the play list data generation orchapter data generation.

In step R12, the feature data having been subjected to variouspredetermined feature-extraction processing (such as predeterminedprocessing of the predetermined feature data having been subjected tothe feature-extraction processing, data having been subjected to thepredetermined signal processing, and data having been subjected to thepredetermined judgment processing using these data), are read from thepredetermined recording medium to make the predetermined play list data(file) generation and chapter data generation.

The play list data and chapter data thus generated are recorded into thepredetermined recording medium. In step R13, it is judged whether thegeneration is complete. If it is determined that the generation is notover, the apparatus goes back to step R12 in which it will repeat thedue operations. In case it is determined that the generation is over,the apparatus goes back to step R13 in which it will repeat the dueoperations.

Note that the play list data and chapter data may be recorded into thepredetermined recording medium simultaneously with the generation ofthem or all the predetermined play list data and chapter data of apredetermined broadcast program, program or predetermined recordingsection, which are to be processed, may be recorded into thepredetermined recording medium after they are all generated.

Processing of play list data (chapter data) in parallel with featureextraction:

It has been described that the predetermined feature extraction is madesimultaneously with he recording of the image/voice data such aspredetermined broadcast program, program or the like, various featuredata after extracted (including signals subjected to the predeterminedprocessing and signal processing using the feature extraction data orfeature data) are recorded into the predetermined recording medium, andthe recorded feature data is read after completion of the predeterminedbroadcast program or program to generate the play list data (file),chapter data, etc. However, it should be noted that the play list data(file) and chapter data may be generated simultaneously or in parallelwith the feature extraction.

7.3 Flow of playback unit processing operations

-   -   Processing of voice segments and scene change at each        predetermined data section by processing PUs:

FIG. 49 shows an example of flow of operations in the predeterminedsignal processing stared at the voice segment detection point and scenechange detection point in the aforementioned PU signal processing.

The apparatus put into operation goes to step P1 in which it will readthe voice data and a predetermined number of sample image data fordetection of a scene change (which will be explained in detail later)from the predetermined recording medium having the image/voice datarecorded therein, and then goes to step P2 in which it will record thedata thus read into a data buffer as a predetermined recording means,such as a memory.

In step P3, it is judged whether the predetermined number of sample datahas been recorded into the buffer. In case it is determined that thepredetermined number of sample data has been recorded, the apparatusgoes to step P4. If it is determined that the predetermined number ofsample data has not been recorded, the apparatus goes back to step P2 inwhich it will repeat the due operations.

Note that in steps P2 to P7, predetermined judgment of the voice signalto be a sounding one or silent one is made for the PU processing. Instep P2, the predetermined number of sample data corresponding to alength of predetermined section of about 0.1 to 1 sec is stored in tothe data buffer.

For example, in case the sampling frequency is 48 kHz, one second isequivalent to 48,000 sample data, and 0.1 sec is equivalent to 4,800sample data. This amount of sample data is recorded into the databuffer.

In step P4, the voice data is read from the data buffer. In step P5, thevoice level of the aforementioned predetermined section is calculated.In step P6, the voice level is compared with a predetermined one tojudge whether it is higher or lower the predetermined level. Thus,silence detection (silence judgment) is made.

In case the section in consideration is determined in step P6 to be asilent one, the apparatus goes to step P7 in which it will record thatinformation into the predetermined memory (buffer). If it is determinedin step P6 that the section is not silent but a sounding one, theapparatus goes to step P8 in which it will judge whether buffering ofthe data read in step P1 is over. If it is determined that the bufferingis not over, the apparatus goes to step P2 in which it will repeat thedue operations. In case the buffering is complete, the apparatus willgot to step P9.

In step P9, the voice segment information processed in step P8 is read.Then, the apparatus goes to step P10 in which it will make segment theaforementioned short silent section and sounding sections and longsilent and sounding sections.

In step P11, data resulted from DCT processing of the predeterminednumber of sample image data are recorded into the buffer memory(predetermined data recording means). In step P12, it is judged whetherrecording of the predetermined amount of data is complete. If it isdetermined that the predetermined amount of data has not been recorded,the apparatus goes back to step P11 in which it will repeat the writeinto the buffer memory. In case it is determined in step P12 that therecording of the predetermined amount of data is complete, the apparatusgoes to step P13.

In step P13, the predetermined DCT data is read from the predeterminedbuffer memory. In step P14, a predetermined signal processing of theinter-frame signal etc. is made to detect a predetermined scene change.

In step P15, it is judged whether the predetermined scene change isdetected. In case the scene change has been detected, the apparatus goesto step P16 in which positional information on the point in time whenthe scene change has been detected is stored into a predetermined memory(data recording means, data buffer or the like). Then the apparatus goesto step P17. If it is determined in step P15 that no scene change hasoccurred, the apparatus goes to step P17.

In step P17, it is judged whether the scene change detection from apredetermined amount of data in the predetermined data buffer iscomplete. If the scene change detection is not over, the apparatus goesback to step P11 in which it will repeat the due operations. In case itis determined in step P17 that the scene change detection is complete,the apparatus goes to step P18.

In step P18, the scene change point information is read from thepredetermined buffer memory. In step P19, the scene change detectionsection is corrected by connecting a section shorter than apredetermined section to a preceding section and making otheroperations.

In step P20, voice segment point information and scene change pointinformation generated for the predetermined section are read to generatepredetermined PU information such as predetermined PU point information,section information, etc. from predetermined information such as voicesegment point, voice segment section length, scene change point, scenechange section length, etc. in step P21.

In step P22, feature data derived from the PU information processed instep P21 and corresponding to the PU section (or signal resulted frompredetermined signal processing of feature extraction data or featuredata and the like) are written into the predetermined recording mediumor predetermined data buffer.

The above feature data may be recorded in a predetermined recording areaof the predetermined recording medium having recorded therein theimage/voice data in the predetermined sections of a broadcast program,program or the like going to be processed as well as in anotherpredetermined recording medium.

In step P23, it is judged whether a series of processing operations suchas the voice segmentation, scene change processing, PU processing andthe like of the predetermined mount of data is complete. In case it isdetermined that the series of processing operations is over, theapparatus exits the recording process If it is determined that theseries of processing operations is not over, the apparatus goes back tostep P1 in which it will repeat the aforementioned due operations.

-   -   Processing of scene change after completion of all voice        segmentation operations in the PU processing:

In the above example, voice data in each predetermined section of theimage/voice data such as a recorded broadcast program, program or thelike are segmented one after another and then a scene change is detectedin an image. However, all the scene changes may be detected not afterthe processing of each predetermined section but after voicesegmentation of all predetermined sections of a broadcast program orprogram going to be processed and the predetermined PU processing bedone after all the scene changes are detected.

FIG. 50 shows another example of flow of operations made in thepredetermined signal processing starting at voice segment detectionpoint and scene change detection point in the aforementioned PU signalprocessing.

The apparatus put into operation goes first to step T1. In step T1,there are made predetermined voice segmentation operations as in stepsP1 to P9 in the flow diagram shown in FIG. 49.

A predetermined amount of sample voice data is read sequentially intothe predetermined buffer memory.

In step T2, the segment position information subjected to the voicesegmentation is recorded into a predetermined memory (data storagemeans). In step T3, it is judged whether the predetermined segmentationof all voice data in a predetermined section of a broadcast program orprogram going to be processed is complete. If it is determined that thepredetermined segmentation is not complete, the apparatus goes back tostep T1 in which it will repeat the due operations. In case it isdetermined that the predetermined segmentation is over, the apparatusgoes to step T4.

In step T4, a predetermined scene change processing as in steps P11 toP18 in the flow diagram shown in FIG. 49 is effected. A predeterminedamount of image DCT data is sequentially recorded into the predeterminedbuffer memory.

In step T5, the scene change point information subjected to thepredetermined scene change processing are recorded one after anotherinto a predetermined memory means (data storage means). In step T6, itis judged whether the predetermined scene change processing of all imageDCT data in a predetermined of a broadcast program or program going tobe processed is complete. If it is determined that the predeterminedscene change processing is not over, the apparatus goes back to step T4in which it will repeat the due operations. In case it is determinedthat the predetermined scene change processing is over, the apparatusgoes to step T7.

In step T7, the predetermined voice segmentation point information andpredetermined scene change point information are read from thepredetermined memory means. In step T8, the predetermined PU processingis made, and in step T9, it is judged whether the predetermined PUprocessing of all predetermined sections of a broadcast program orprogram going to be processed is complete. In case it is determined thatthe predetermined PU processing is over, the apparatus exits theplayback operation. If it is determined the predetermined PU processingis not complete, the apparatus goes back to step T7 in which the dueoperations.

In the foregoing, the present invention has been described in detailconcerning certain preferred embodiments thereof as examples withreference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understoodby those ordinarily skilled in the art that the present invention is notlimited to the embodiments but can be modified in various manners,constructed alternatively or embodied in various other forms withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit thereof as set forth and defined inthe extra claims.

1. An information signal processing method, comprising the steps of:acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata; connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sectionssubjected to the first predetermined information significationprocessing to make second information signification processing of theconnected predetermined sections and predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the result of the second predetermined informationsignification processing or predetermined evaluation value processing ofone predetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and setting a predeterminedplayback section or a predetermined point in time of playback on thebasis of the signal subjected to the second information significationprocessing or to the evaluation value processing.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising the step of: acquiring, througha predetermined input system, software for executing the informationsignal processing by a predetermined operation; setting the informationsignal processing for execution; and executing the information signalprocessing when a predetermined mode of operation is set by apredetermined control system.
 3. An information signal processingmethod, comprising the steps of: acquiring data from image/voice featuredata in each predetermined section of a predetermined image/voice datasignal and extra information associated with the image/voice data signalor from a predetermined recording medium having these data recordedtherein to make first predetermined information signification processingof each predetermined section of the image/voice data signal on thebasis of the acquired data; connecting together a plurality of thepredetermined sections subjected to the first predetermined informationsignification processing to make second information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of one predetermined section based on the signal subjected tothe first information signification processing; and recording the datasubjected to the second predetermined information significationprocessing or evaluation value processing into a predetermined recordingarea of a predetermined recording medium or a predetermined data memory.4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of:acquiring, through a predetermined input system, software for executingthe information signal processing by a predetermined operation; settingthe information signal processing for execution; and executing theinformation signal processing when a predetermined mode of operation isset by a predetermined control system.
 5. An information signalprocessing method, comprising the steps of: acquiring data fromimage/voice feature data in each predetermined section of apredetermined image/voice data signal and extra information associatedwith the image/voice data signal or from a data file having these datarecorded therein to make first predetermined information significationprocessing of each predetermined section of the image/voice data signalon the basis of the acquired data; making predetermined calculationbased on the data subjected to the first predetermined informationsignification processing and the extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal in case the latter information is detectable;and connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sectionssubjected to the first predetermined information significationprocessing on the basis of the result of calculation to make secondpredetermined information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of a signalbased on the first information signification processing.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: acquiring,through a predetermined input system, software for executing theinformation signal processing by a predetermined operation; setting theinformation signal processing for execution; and executing theinformation signal processing when a predetermined mode of operation isset by a predetermined control system.
 7. An information signalprocessing method, comprising the steps of: acquiring data fromimage/voice feature data in each predetermined section of apredetermined image/voice data signal and extra information associatedwith the image/voice data signal or from a data file having these datarecorded therein to make first predetermined information significationprocessing of each predetermined section of the image/voice data signalon the basis of the acquired data; making predetermined calculationbased on the data subjected to the first predetermined informationsignification processing and the extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal in case the latter information is detectable;and connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sectionssubjected to the first predetermined information significationprocessing on the basis of the result of calculation to make secondpredetermined information signification processing of the connectedpredetermined sections and predetermined evaluation value processing ofthe result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of the signalbased on the first information signification processing. acquiring thedata resulted from the second information signification processing andevaluation value processing of the result of the second informationsignification processing and data resulted from the predeterminedevaluation value processing of the signal on the basis of the firstinformation signification processing from a predetermined recordingmedium having the data recorded therein; and setting predeterminedsections or predetermined points in time of the image/voice data signalon the basis of the data thus acquired.
 8. The method according to claim7, further comprising the steps of: acquiring, through a predeterminedinput system, software for executing the information signal processingby a predetermined operation; setting the information signal processingfor execution; and executing the information signal processing when apredetermined mode of operation is set by a predetermined controlsystem.
 9. An information signal processing method, comprising the stepsof: acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data; makingpredetermined calculation based on the data subjected to the firstpredetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and connecting together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation to make second predetermined information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the signal based on the first information significationprocessing; and using the predetermined data resulted from the secondinformation signification processing or data resulted from theevaluation value processing or acquiring the data from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to set predeterminedsections or predetermined points in time of the image/voice signal onthe basis of the acquired data.
 10. The method according to claim 9,further comprising the steps of: acquiring, through a predeterminedinput system, software for executing the information signal processingby a predetermined operation; setting the information signal processingfor execution; and executing the information signal processing when apredetermined mode of operation is set by a predetermined controlsystem.
 11. An information signal processing method, comprising thesteps of: detecting predetermined semantic characteristic data generatedfor each predetermined section of image/voice data and predeterminedevaluation data for the semantic characteristic data by usingcharacteristic data in each predetermined section, extracted from theimage/voice data lasting for a predetermined length of time and extrainformation, if any detectable, associated with the image/voice data orby acquiring a predetermined file having recorded therein the semanticcharacteristic data and predetermined evaluation data; and making such acontrol on data playback as to play back the predetermined sections inthe image/voice data one after another according to a predetermined rulewith the use of the semantic characteristic data and evaluation data asthe result of the data detection in case the length of time is largerthan a predetermined threshold or to play back a predetermined sectionof the image/voice information signal within a time shorter than thelength of time not according to the predetermined rule or according to arule other than the predetermined rule in case the length of time issmaller than the predetermined threshold.
 12. The method according toclaim 11, further comprising the steps of: acquiring, through apredetermined input system, software for executing the informationsignal processing by a predetermined operation; setting the informationsignal processing for execution; and executing the information signalprocessing when a predetermined mode of operation is set by apredetermined control system.
 13. An information signal processingmethod, comprising the steps of: detecting predetermined semanticcharacteristic data generated for each predetermined section ofimage/voice data and predetermined evaluation data on the semanticcharacteristic data with the use of characteristic data in eachpredetermined section, extracted from image/voice data lasting for apredetermined length of time and extra information, if any detectable,associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring a predeterminedfile having recorded therein the semantic characteristic data andpredetermined evaluation data on the semantic characteristic data andmaking predetermined processing of the file; and setting a predeterminedsection or predetermined point in time of the image/voice data accordingto a predetermined rule with the use of the semantic characteristic dataand evaluation data in case the length of time is larger than apredetermined threshold, or setting a predetermined section orpredetermined point in time of the image/voice data within a timeshorter than the length of time not according to the predetermined ruleor according to a rule other than the predetermined rule in case thelength of time is smaller than the predetermined threshold.
 14. Themethod according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:acquiring, through a predetermined input system, software for executingthe information signal processing by a predetermined operation; settingthe information signal processing for execution; and executing theinformation signal processing when a predetermined mode of operation isset by a predetermined control system.
 15. An information signalprocessing apparatus, comprising: a first information processing meansfor acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium or memory means having these data recorded therein tomake first predetermined information signification processing of eachpredetermined section of the image/voice data signal on the basis of theacquired data; a second information processing means for connectingtogether a plurality of the predetermined sections subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing with the use ofa signal from the first information processing means to make secondinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of one predetermined sectionbased on the signal from the first information processing means; and aninformation signal processing means for setting a predetermined playbacksection or a predetermined point in time of playback on the basis of asignal from the first or second information processing means.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a data input systemto acquire software for execution of predetermined information signalprocessing by a predetermined operation; and a signal processing settingmeans for setting, by the software acquired by the data input system, astate in which the predetermined information signal processing isexecutable, the information signal processing means setting apredetermined playback section or a predetermined point in time ofplayback on the basis of a signal from the first or second informationprocessing means.
 17. An information signal processing apparatus,comprising: a first information processing means for acquiring data fromimage/voice feature data in each predetermined section of apredetermined image/voice data signal and extra information associatedwith the image/voice data signal or from a predetermined recordingmedium or memory means having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata; a second information processing means for connecting together aplurality of the predetermined sections with a signal from the firstinformation processing means to make second information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of one predetermined section based on the signal from thefirst information processing means; and a recording means for recordingdata from the second information processing means into a predeterminedrecording area of a predetermined recording medium or data memory. 18.The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a data inputsystem to acquire software for execution of predetermined informationsignal processing by a predetermined operation; and a signal processingsetting means for setting, by the software acquired by the data inputsystem, a state in which the predetermined information signal processingis executable, the recording means recording data from the secondinformation processing means into a predetermined recording area of apredetermined recording medium or data memory.
 19. An information signalprocessing apparatus, comprising: a first information processing meansfor acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data; a secondinformation processing means for making predetermined calculation basedon the data from the first information processing means and extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable to make a second informationsignification processing for connecting together a plurality of thepredetermined sections subjected to the first predetermined informationsignification processing on the basis of the result of calculation andpredetermined evaluation value processing of the result of the secondinformation signification processing or to make second predeterminedinformation signification processing of the connected predeterminedsections and predetermined evaluation value processing of the result ofthe second predetermined information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of a predetermined signalbased on a signal from the first information processing means.
 20. Theapparatus according to claim 19, further comprising: a data input systemto acquire software for execution of predetermined information signalprocessing by a predetermined operation; and a signal processing settingmeans for setting, by the software acquired by the data input system, astate in which the predetermined information signal processing isexecutable, in case and extra information data related to theimage/voice data signal can be detected, the second informationprocessing means making predetermined calculation on the basis of datafrom the first information processing means and extra informationrelated to the image/voice data signal, if any, detectable, secondpredetermined information signification processing to connect aplurality of sections subjected to the first predetermined informationsignification processing, and predetermined evaluation value processingof the result of the second information signification processing orpredetermined evaluation value processing of a predetermined signal onthe basis of the signal from the first information processing means. 21.An information signal processing apparatus, comprising: a dataprocessing means for acquiring data from image/voice feature data ineach predetermined section of a predetermined image/voice data signaland extra information associated with the image/voice data signal orfrom a data file having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata, making predetermined calculation based on the data subjected tothe first predetermined information signification processing and theextra information associated with the image/voice data signal in casethe latter information is detectable, connecting together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation to make second predetermined information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of a signal based on the first information significationprocessing, and acquiring data resulted from the second informationsignification processing or data resulted from the predeterminedevaluation value processing from a predetermined recording medium havingthe data recorded therein; and an information processing means forsetting predetermined sections or predetermined points in time of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the data from the dataprocessing means.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, furthercomprising: a data input system to acquire software for execution ofpredetermined information signal processing by a predeterminedoperation; and a signal processing setting means for setting, by thesoftware acquired by the data input system, a state in which thepredetermined information signal processing is executable, theinformation processing means setting predetermined sections orpredetermined points in time of the image/voice data signal on the basisof the data from the data processing means.
 23. An information signalprocessing apparatus, comprising: a first information processing meansfor acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal; a second information processing means formaking predetermined calculation based on data form the firstinformation processing means and extra information associated with theimage/voice data signal in case the latter information is detectable andsecond predetermined information signification processing to connecttogether a plurality of the predetermined sections subjected to thefirst predetermined information signification processing on the basis ofthe result of calculation and predetermined evaluation value processingof the result of the second predetermined information significationprocessing or predetermined evaluation value processing of a signal fromthe first information processing means; and an information processingmeans for setting predetermined sections or predetermined points in timeof the image/voice data signal on the basis of data from the secondinformation processing means or predetermined data from a predeterminedrecording medium having the data recorded therein.
 24. The apparatusaccording to claim 21, further comprising: a data input system toacquire software for execution of predetermined information signalprocessing by a predetermined operation; and a signal processing settingmeans for setting, by the software acquired by the data input system, astate in which the predetermined information signal processing isexecutable, the information processing means setting predeterminedsections or predetermined points in time of the image/voice data signalon the basis of data from the second information processing means orpredetermined data from a predetermined recording medium having the datarecorded therein.
 25. An information signal processing apparatus,comprising: a data detecting means for detecting predetermined semanticcharacteristic data generated for each predetermined section ofimage/voice data and predetermined evaluation data for the semanticcharacteristic data by using characteristic data in each predeterminedsection, extracted from the image/voice data lasting for a predeterminedlength of time and extra information, if any detectable, associated withthe image/voice data or by acquiring a predetermined file havingrecorded therein the semantic characteristic data and predeterminedevaluation data; and a playback means for making, when in apredetermined mode of operation, such a control on data playback as toplay back the predetermined sections in the image/voice data one afteranother according to a predetermined rule with the use of the semanticcharacteristic data and evaluation data as the result of the datadetection in case the length of time is larger than a predeterminedthreshold or to play back a predetermined section of the image/voiceinformation signal within a time shorter than the length of time notaccording to the predetermined rule or according to a rule other thanthe predetermined rule in case the length of time is smaller than thepredetermined threshold.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 25,further comprising: a data input system to acquire software forexecution of predetermined information signal processing by apredetermined operation; and a signal processing setting means forsetting, by the software acquired by the data input system, a state inwhich the predetermined information signal processing is executable, theplayback means making, when in a predetermined mode of operation, such acontrol on data playback as to play back the predetermined sections inthe image/voice data one after another according to a predetermined rulewith the use of the semantic characteristic data and evaluation data asthe result of the data detection in case the length of time is largerthan a predetermined threshold or to play back a predetermined sectionof the image/voice information signal within a time shorter than thelength of time not according to the predetermined rule or according to arule other than the predetermined rule in case the length of time issmaller than the predetermined threshold.
 27. An information signalprocessing apparatus, comprising: a data detecting means for detectingpredetermined semantic characteristic data generated for eachpredetermined section of image/voice data and predetermined evaluationdata on the semantic characteristic data with the use of characteristicdata in each predetermined section, extracted from image/voice datalasting for a predetermined length of time and extra information, if anydetectable, associated with the image/voice data or by acquiring apredetermined file having recorded therein the semantic characteristicdata and predetermined evaluation data on the semantic characteristicdata and making predetermined processing of the file; and an informationprocessing means for setting a predetermined section or predeterminedpoint in time of the image/voice data according to a predetermined rulewith the use of the semantic characteristic data and evaluation data incase the length of time is larger than a predetermined threshold or forsetting a predetermined section or predetermined point in time of theimage/voice data within a time shorter than the length of time notaccording to the predetermined rule or according to a rule other thanthe predetermined rule in case the length of time is smaller than thepredetermined threshold.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 27,further comprising: a data input system to acquire software forexecution of predetermined information signal processing by apredetermined operation; and a signal processing setting means forsetting, by the software acquired by the data input system, a state inwhich the predetermined information signal processing is executable, theinformation processing means setting a predetermined section orpredetermined point in time of the image/voice data according to apredetermined rule with the use of the semantic characteristic data andevaluation data in case the length of time is larger than apredetermined threshold or for setting a predetermined section orpredetermined point in time of the image/voice data within a timeshorter than the length of time not according to the predetermined ruleor according to a rule other than the predetermined rule in case thelength of time is smaller than the predetermined threshold.
 29. Aprogram recording medium having a control program recorded therein to becomputer-readable, the control program comprising the steps of:acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata; connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sectionssubjected to the first predetermined information significationprocessing to make second information signification processing of theconnected predetermined sections and predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the result of the second predetermined informationsignification processing or predetermined evaluation value processing ofone predetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and setting a predeterminedplayback section or a predetermined point in time of playback on thebasis of the signal subjected to the second information significationprocessing or to the evaluation value processing.
 30. A programrecording medium having a control program recorded therein to becomputer-readable, the control program comprising the steps of:acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to make firstpredetermined information signification processing of each predeterminedsection of the image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquireddata; connecting together a plurality of the predetermined sectionssubjected to the first predetermined information significationprocessing to make second information signification processing of theconnected predetermined sections and predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the result of the second predetermined informationsignification processing or predetermined evaluation value processing ofone predetermined section based on the signal subjected to the firstinformation signification processing; and recording the data subjectedto the second predetermined information signification processing orevaluation value processing into a predetermined recording area of apredetermined recording medium or a predetermined data memory.
 31. Aprogram recording medium having a control program recorded therein to becomputer-readable, the control program comprising the steps of:acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data; makingpredetermined calculation based on the data subjected to the firstpredetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and connecting together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation to make second predetermined information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of a signal based on the first information significationprocessing.
 32. A program recording medium having a control programrecorded therein to be computer-readable, the control program comprisingthe steps of: acquiring data from image/voice feature data in eachpredetermined section of a predetermined image/voice data signal andextra information associated with the image/voice data signal or from adata file having these data recorded therein to make first predeterminedinformation signification processing of each predetermined section ofthe image/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data; makingpredetermined calculation based on the data subjected to the firstpredetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and connecting together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation to make second predetermined information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the signal based on the first information significationprocessing. acquiring the data resulted from the second informationsignification processing and evaluation value processing of the resultof the second information signification processing and data resultedfrom the predetermined evaluation value processing of the signal on thebasis of the first information signification processing from apredetermined recording medium having the data recorded therein; andsetting predetermined sections or predetermined points in time of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the data thus acquired.
 33. Aprogram recording medium having a control program recorded therein to becomputer-readable, the control program comprising the steps of:acquiring data from image/voice feature data in each predeterminedsection of a predetermined image/voice data signal and extra informationassociated with the image/voice data signal or from a data file havingthese data recorded therein to make first predetermined informationsignification processing of each predetermined section of theimage/voice data signal on the basis of the acquired data; makingpredetermined calculation based on the data subjected to the firstpredetermined information signification processing and the extrainformation associated with the image/voice data signal in case thelatter information is detectable; and connecting together a plurality ofthe predetermined sections subjected to the first predeterminedinformation signification processing on the basis of the result ofcalculation to make second predetermined information significationprocessing of the connected predetermined sections and predeterminedevaluation value processing of the result of the second predeterminedinformation signification processing or predetermined evaluation valueprocessing of the signal based on the first information significationprocessing; and using the predetermined data resulted from the secondinformation signification processing or data resulted from theevaluation value processing or acquiring the data from a predeterminedrecording medium having these data recorded therein to set predeterminedsections or predetermined points in time of the image/voice signal onthe basis of the acquired data.
 34. A program recording medium having acontrol program recorded therein to be computer-readable, the controlprogram comprising the steps of: detecting predetermined semanticcharacteristic data generated for each predetermined section ofimage/voice data and predetermined evaluation data for the semanticcharacteristic data by using characteristic data in each predeterminedsection, extracted from the image/voice data lasting for a predeterminedlength of time and extra information, if any detectable, associated withthe image/voice data or by acquiring a predetermined file havingrecorded therein the semantic characteristic data and predeterminedevaluation data; and making such a control on data playback as to playback the predetermined sections in the image/voice data one afteranother according to a predetermined rule with the use of the semanticcharacteristic data and evaluation data as the result of the datadetection in case the length of time is larger than a predeterminedthreshold or to play back a predetermined section of the image/voiceinformation signal within a time shorter than the length of time notaccording to the predetermined rule or according to a rule other thanthe predetermined rule in case the length of time is smaller than thepredetermined threshold.
 35. A program recording medium having a controlprogram recorded therein to be computer-readable, the control programcomprising the steps of: detecting predetermined semantic characteristicdata generated for each predetermined section of image/voice data andpredetermined evaluation data on the semantic characteristic data withthe use of characteristic data in each predetermined section, extractedfrom image/voice data lasting for a predetermined length of time andextra information, if any detectable, associated with the image/voicedata or by acquiring a predetermined file having recorded therein thesemantic characteristic data and predetermined evaluation data on thesemantic characteristic data and making predetermined processing of thefile; and setting a predetermined section or predetermined point in timeof the image/voice data according to a predetermined rule with the useof the semantic characteristic data and evaluation data in case thelength of time is larger than a predetermined threshold, or setting apredetermined section or predetermined point in time of the image/voicedata within a time shorter than the length of time not according to thepredetermined rule or according to a rule other than the predeterminedrule in case the length of time is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold.